Taruyamaarutet

for soprano voice, bass clarinet, marimba and percussion (1995)
with polyrhythmicon/electronics
duration is c.10′

Taruyamaarutet are Alaskan religious masks carved in wood by shamans of the Bering Sea Inuit peoples of northwest Alaska. The masks portray twisted faces representing people who have been inhabited by spirits. After a long journey into solitude the shaman returns to the village and constructs a taruyamaarutet based on their journey. The masks are then used in ceremonical dances by the people as a link to the spiritual world.

Independent research done by the composer in Unalakleet on the northwest coast of Alaska led to the composition of the piece. Taruyamaarutet can be performed as a concert pieceor as a work with movement artist/dancer, projected images and theatrical lighting.

score excerpt