Composer: Nicolas Repetto

Grade: 3-3.5

Duration: 2:45

Instrumentation:
Violin I, Violin II, Violin III (Viola T.C.), Viola, Violoncello, *Cello (alt), Double Bass, Optional Percussion (Tambourine, Tenor Drum or Taiko Drum)

*indicates a simplified/alternate cello part

Description:
Aires Antiguos translates to Ancient Airs and it is a work composed in the Baroque style. A violin solo starts off the

jaunty dance theme while the rest of the string section interjects with a theme restatement playing in a lilting

style. The middle lyrical section showcases some emotional playing for violin solo and solo cello.

An optional tambourine part and Tenor Drum or Low Drum part adds to the excitement.

Program Notes from the composer:

“Before Aires Antiguos became a concert work, it was originally written as a film music cue for a historical film called “Newton’s Grace”. After a wonderful conversation with the film director, I was hired to compose the score for the 78-minute film in the summer of 2016. The film is about John Newton and his journey before finally writing the text for the famous poem, “Amazing Grace”. In the film, John is captured and enslaved in the Caribbean. During this time, he teaches himself mathematics a skill the slave traders at the time found useful for their own cruel agenda. The music was originally composed for scenes when Newton is learning mathematics. The quick tempo gives the montage energy and movement. The use of a baroque style of music felt appropriate as well given the time period and helped to propel the narrative sequence forward. In essence, whenever orchestras perform Aires Antiguos, they are performing music for film — an art form which I love!”