Ravinia 2024 Issue 5

ourselves at different moments in our lives. There was a pleasing symmetry and balance to a group of 12 identities as well, paralleling other practical and spiritual groupings of 12, such as zodiac signs and measures of time. Each of the performers chose certain archetypes that sparked our imaginations, with Clarice and Sérgio each composing four of the movements, and each member of Third Coast Percussion composing one. The vast color palette available to a percussion quartet, combined with Clarice’s versatile musicianship as a multi-instrumental- ist and vocalist (including work with electronic processing of her voice) and Sérgio’s unparal- leled mastery of the guitar, allowed opportuni- ties to paint vivid pictures inspired by each of these archetypes: The Rebel balances a dramatic flair with an easygoing cool. They bristle at attempts to tie them down, and their unpredictable nature takes shape in shifting grooves and moments of improvisation. The Innocent possesses a different kind of free- dom, a sweet openness that comes without pre- conceptions or prejudice. If they have a beauti- ful song to sing, why not sing it in 5? The Orphan ’s own innocence is clouded by un- certainty and loneliness. As they float through the world in search of a new home, their hopes rise with each new possibility, only to be crushed again. However, the spirit of youth is resilient, and surely there will be a place for them in the end. The Lover is occupied by a singular focus. A feeling of fluttering anticipation spirals until it is overwhelming; suspense gives way to the exhilarating fear of vulnerability. There is no turning back. The Magician deals in wonder. Their illu- sions confound perception, and their virtuosic Sérgio Assad displays defy explanation. Their power comes from some ancient source, a history that car- ries mysteries of its own. The Ruler builds their influence slowly over time and sees all things as a path to greater power. Patriotism and pride are leveraged to build loyalty, a sense of drama to engender fear. The Jester is no fool. With wit and whimsy, they wield their own influence and feed their love for attention. The jester’s toolkit includes ab- surdity, surprise, charisma, and a dry “straight man” to play off of. The Caregiver sings a familiar lullaby in their own way, carrying the sweet tune over chang- ing moods. In the face of the day’s challenges, as well as their own worries, they maintain a steadfast warmth. The Sage may not seem eager to talk at first, but the wise old one holds many experiences in their silence. They have seen the sadness of the world and its beauty, and they know that the two are intertwined. In a dark night sky, The Creator sees not just stars, but constellations. Their imagination turns points of light into shapes, characters, Clarice Assad Third Coast Percussion stories. They do not create something from nothing; rather, their spirit of curiosity and play finds new potential in the things around them. The Hero does not necessarily need to ride a horse or fly through the sky, though they might. Regardless, they remain undaunted in the face of obstacles, deftly improvising their way through difficulty to an inevitable triumph. The Explorer is content to find themselves in any scenario. They proceed calmly through the unknown, dance with strangers, and take dan- ger in stride. Just as the archetypes are abstract enough to al- low for infinite variation, it is our hope that the wordless music on this program will capture the spirit of each of these archetypes while allowing each audience member’s associations and imag- inations to lead to their own unique listening ex- perience. It has been a joy to collaborate to bring this new music into the world, and we’re thrilled to share it with you today. The full Archetypes project was recorded by Sér- gio and Clarice Assad with Third Coast Percus- sion and released on Cedille Records in March 2021. The album was nominated for Grammy Awards in three categories: Best Chamber Mu- sic/Small Ensemble Performance, Best Contem- porary Classical Composition, and Best Engi- neered Album, Classical. –Program notes provided by Third Coast Percussion Third Coast Percussion Ensemble Sean Connors, Technical Director, and Education Director Robert Dillon, Development Director Peter Martin, Finance Director David Skidmore, Executive Director Staff Reba Cafarelli, General Manager Colin Campbell, Production Manager Amanda Cantlin, Marketing Consultant Rebecca McDaniel, Development Manager Board of Directors Ethelbert Williams, President Beth I. Davis, Vice President Mary K. Woolever, Secretary Daniel Knaus, Treasurer Jim Barasa Sara Coffou Robert Dillon Nimish Dixit André Dowell Jamie Jung Samir Mayekar Sarah Forbes Orwig Louise K. Smith Catharine Fox Walby RAVINIA.ORG  • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 75