Ideogramas

Clarinet / Bass Clarinet and Electronic

Ideogramas is a brief chronicle of daily life for anyone living in Mexico City. Through the interplay of electronic sounds and the clarinet, this piece captures the spontaneous sounds that one might encounter on any given day.

This composition reflects my personal feelings for this city—emotions that have been a part of my everyday experience, those that I have grown up with and lived through over the years. Mexico City holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I have lived, learned, walked, loved, discovered, and reflected.

The first section of the piece is characterized by a bright tone and a nostalgic atmosphere, evoking memories of the music I would hear as a child in food stalls, shops, or on public transportation. Ideogramas was commissioned by a Colombian clarinetist, prompting me to reflect on the music that dominated the radio during my childhood: cumbia and salsa. Colombian cumbia, in particular, had a significant influence on Mexico, with bands like La Sonora Dinamita and Cañaveral adapting it to their own contexts and styles.

There are two key elements I wish to emphasize in this piece: first, the representation of Mexico City as one of the largest capitals in the world—a city grappling with challenges and shortages that sometimes push people towards illegal activities. Second, my personal journey of walking through this city and experiencing countless moments that have instilled in me a unique feeling—a blend of joy and sadness, which I can only describe as nostalgia. This piece is a reflection of all these experiences, a moment of introspection that encompasses the emotions and memories I have gathered throughout this time.