Michael Udow

Plucked String Orchestra 2 Bandurias, Mandolin, 2 Lauds, Archlaud, 2 Guitars

Composer's Note:

Baños Árabes de Llíria was commissioned by Edeta Arts, John Crozman, CEO, in recognition of Llíria, Spain, being designated as a UNESCO City of Music. The premiere was presented by Orquestra de Plectro "El Micalet" Vicente Gimeno (Edetana) Rondalla, Miguel Maqueda Aliaga, Director.

This was one of ten works I composed based on my experiences in Llíria. It was premiered on July 6, 2024, for the Impressions of Llíria festival.

Five compositions comprised the evening's final concert reflected upon important archeological sites that date back to Iberian, Arabian, and Roman times. While each work hints at musical forms, rhythms, harmonies, and traditional folk melodies of Llíria, each composition also includes musical concepts from other cultures outside the province of Valencia, integrating the UNESCO concept of recognizing a small group of cities from around the world that have distinguished themselves as Cities of Music where music is historically interwoven and currently into the fabric of the community's culture.

The baths had social, hygienic, and religious purposes, as citizens used to bathe and cleanse themselves before going to the mosque. Architecturally, the baths are housed in a 400-metre squared space divided into two distinct areas: the living and bathing areas, which had cold, lukewarm, and hot baths. The Arab Baths in Llíria were used until the end of the 15th century. After this, the building was used as an industrial area and later became a brick-making workshop. In 2012 the archaeological site was restored and it can currently be visited. During your time at the baths, you’ll discover all its secrets and can even watch a screening of the documentary The Legacy of Hassan.

This is an archival item from ACA's catalog, and not currently available for purchase.