Ali'i Suite
Visions of Hawai'i
by Eric Ewazen
Chamber Music - Sheet Music

Chamber Music flute, piano

SKU: PR.114418430

Visions of Hawai'i. Composed by Eric Ewazen. Set of Score and Parts. 24+8 pages. Duration 17 minutes. Theodore Presser Company #114-41843. Published by Theodore Presser Company (PR.114418430).

ISBN 9781491134467. UPC: 680160641666.

The subtitle (Visions of Hawai’i) explains the beauty of Ewazen’s ALI’I SUITE, a fascinating hybrid between the composer’s luscious melodic voice and Hawai’ian music traditions. The three movements are inspired by sunrise, a misty valley, and a celebration of sunset.
I have had the joy of visiting one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen - Hawai’i. The brilliant colors at any time of the day, the rich Hawai’ian culture, the sounds of the waterfalls, and the spectacular ocean surf – it is truly a paradise for the senses. Ali’i Suite refers to Polynesian Supreme High Chiefs, hence this is a “Royal Suite”!1. Sunrise (Haleakalā)On the island of Maui, it is a tradition to visit the top of its highest volcanic peak, Haleakalā, at sunrise. In this spectacular spot, one arrives well before the sun even begins to rise. Slowly, magically colors start to emerge even before sunrise. In this silent, awesome spot, the black sky starts to have a faint glow, and colors gently start to emerge and grow ever more warm and rich, from deep purples to magenta as a faint yellow glow begins to warm the sky, growing ever more vivid, and the colors, like a kaleidescope in slow motion growing ever more intense. A beautiful yellow glow comes into to focus as the sun magically appears, embracing this grand sight with its intense beauty. The music for this movement portrays this scene, initially with extreme softness and gentleness. As the sun emerges and the intense colors come into focus, the music becomes richer and warmer, bringing a comforting feeling of the new day beginning. The sun emerging in its full glory brings the movement to a comforting conclusion.2. Mist (Waipi’o Valley)On the “Big Island” of Hawai’i, Waipi’o Valley is an extraordinary spot, nestled along the coast. Filled with lush vegetation and an astonishing variety of vegetation, nestled between the cliffs, with a beautiful surf, it is truly magical. The music portrays the richness of the scene – the flowing waters, the suddenly appearing waterfalls, and the mist rising up mysteriously.3. Sunset Chants and Dances (Anaeho’omalu Bay)This movement takes its inspiration from the extraordinary, rich culture of the Polynesian people. The traditional Hawai’ian music is so beautiful and so exciting, combining hypnotic, visceral chanting with exhilarating, gutsy rhythms. Sunset in Hawaii is treasured; the colors are brilliant and the very definition of the word “intense”! This movement begins with deliberate, almost ceremonial musical gestures, growing more intense, with hypnotic ostinato rhythms getting faster and faster throughout the entire movement. This inexorable acceleration leads to a joyous dance-inspired celebration, with rhythms inspired by traditional Hawai’ian drumming styles, full of life and energy, bringing the Ali’i Suite to a joyous conclusion and a celebration of paradise on earth: Hawai’i!