Fertility Rites by Christos Hatzis

A marimba solo with electronic accompaniment, Fertility Rites by Christos Hatzis is inspired by Inuit throat songs. These throat songs were originally a fertility ritual that women would sing while the men were hunting.

This piece is primordial and abstractly sexual in nature, enhanced by digital manipulation. The accompaniment acts sometimes as atmosphere with vocal cues and underlying harmonies, and other times as a duet partner through modified samples of the marimba itself.

The three movements are very distinct, each one requiring different skills. The third movement in particular requires a high level of technical expertise. Play this piece on your recital to entice (and perhaps challenge) an audience.