Pajarillo Endiablao

This piece is an adaptation for woodwind quartet that combines two iconic works by Maestro Rodrigo Riera: Pajarillo con revoltillo and Golpe al diablo de Carora, originally composed for classical guitar. The pajarillo is a subgenre of traditional Venezuelan joropo, known for its energy, speed, and recurring melodic and harmonic patterns. Its rhythmic structure, both complex and interwoven, is based on hemiola or sesquiáltera (a 3-against-2 rhythm) and is characterized by the frequent use of syncopation and displaced accents.

In its traditional form, the joropo features singing, harp, cuatro, maracas, and bass. In this version for woodwind instruments, the instruments evoke the incisive attack and lively timbres of the vernacular sounds of the joropo, while also incorporating a play of imitations and variations that enrich the texture. The piece is both enjoyable and technically demanding, aiming to honor the legacy of Maestro Rodrigo Riera while celebrating Venezuelan musical traditions and highlighting their rich and unique idiosyncrasies.