Revelry

I. Mysterio

II. War

Revelry is a sensory guide to the reckless abandon that emerges when people congregate. The thematic material represents the experiences of revelry within varying points of view as told by each instrument, in the differing ways that it occurs: the rage that manifests within riots and war, versus Bacchanalia-like celebrations. The first movement begins with a lushly chorded passage by the strings that depicts the beginning of the festivities. The depiction and progression of revelry is inspired from the bold colors and shapes found within Matisse’s Jazz cutout collages. In the second and final movement, the anger within riots and wars take center focus, as spiky rhythms and dissonances violently dance and clash as opposing sides meet. There are shifting between moments of tense quiet that are interrupted by abrupt wailing. An accelerating tempi is built around virtuosic riffs and grooves, ending with a shout. Revelry brings the darker side of humanity, while arguing the point of its necessity.

Reverly was a part of Decoda Ensemble’s self-titled album that was released in March 2024. To find out more about the album, visit this website, courtesy of Bright Shiny Things record label, and the NY Times review.