Lido Pimienta: A Journey Through Sound and Heritage
Breaking Barriers in Ballet Composition
A Historic Milestone
In 2021, Lido Pimienta made history as the first woman of color to compose a piece for the New York City Ballet. Her work, sky to hold, showcased a fusion of folk genres, including dembow and vallenato, on a prestigious stage. However, her creativity did not stop there; Pimienta was simultaneously crafting another orchestral piece that drew inspiration from an array of historical influences.
Inspirations Behind La Belleza
La Belleza embodies a rich tapestry of historical references. Pimienta draws from the haunting sounds of 16th-century Italian castrati, the evocative compositions of Czech composer Luboš Fišer, and the Gregorian liturgical chant Lux Aeterna. This eclectic blend culminates in an acoustic and liberatory record, representing a personal journey of homecoming and ancestral connection. The album features a compelling dialogue between orchestral elements—rumbling timpani, resonant strings, and woodwinds—paired with traditional rhythms from claves and drums, alongside celestial dembow.
The Evolution from Miss Colombia to La Belleza
Exploring Themes of Identity
Pimienta’s earlier work, Miss Colombia, earned her the Polaris Prize and delved into the complex relationship between beauty and colonial oppression. It explored themes of homeland and Afro-Indigenous identity, integrating modern synths with traditional Colombian genres such as cumbia, bullerengue, and porro. The album was anchored in specific cultural references, including the controversial 2015 Miss Colombia incident and the legacy of Sexteto Tabalá from San Basilio de Palenque.
A Shift in Scope
In contrast, La Belleza presents a broader and more abstract contemplation of beauty and personal reconciliation. The album’s nine movements, arranged in collaboration with Canadian composer Owen Pallett, unfold over a transitory 28 minutes, narrating Pimienta’s separation and eventual reconciliation with her partner. The thematic foundation of the album is deeply rooted in place, particularly the Guajira peninsula, home to the indigenous Wayuu people, yet it transcends temporal constraints, relying solely on musical time as its anchor.
The Musical Landscape of La Belleza
An Overture of Ancestors
The album opens with a striking overture that sets the stage for Pimienta’s collaboration with the Coro La Belleza de Barranquilla. Their harmonious voices resonate on the track “Ahora,” where they chant verses that honor their ancestors and Wayuu ceremonies. The repeated invocation of “ahora” (meaning "now") throughout the album reinforces themes of ceremony and ancestral connection, evoking a time before colonization reshaped Colombia and Canada.
Reclaiming Historical Narratives
Through La Belleza, Pimienta challenges the conventional narratives often found in orchestral music and opera, where indigenous peoples are frequently relegated to background figures. By centering her own cultural heritage and inviting her community to participate, she reclaims the narrative, positioning herself and her ancestors as active stewards of their histories.
Conclusion
Lido Pimienta’s La Belleza is not just an album; it is a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the power of music to transcend time. By weaving together diverse influences and honoring her ancestry, Pimienta creates a liberating auditory experience that redefines beauty and belonging in the contemporary musical landscape.
FAQs
What inspired Lido Pimienta to create La Belleza?
Pimienta’s La Belleza draws inspiration from historical sources, including 16th-century Italian castrati, Czech composer Luboš Fišer, and Gregorian chants, while also exploring her Afro-Indigenous heritage.
How does La Belleza differ from Miss Colombia?
While Miss Colombia focuses on beauty as a tool of colonial oppression and examines specific cultural references, La Belleza takes a broader approach, addressing themes of personal reconciliation and ancestral connection in a more abstract manner.
Who collaborated with Lido Pimienta on this project?
Canadian composer Owen Pallett assisted in arranging the nine movements of La Belleza, enhancing its orchestral complexity.
What is the significance of the repeated phrase “ahora” in the album?
The phrase “ahora,” meaning "now," emphasizes themes of ceremony, ancestry, and the importance of living in the present while acknowledging the past.
