Diana V. Sáez’s compositions are a vibrant celebration of Latin American musical traditions, often blending Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and Indigenous influences into choral works that are both rhythmically rich and culturally rooted.
Compositions
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Vidalita
SAVidalita is an arrangement for SA choir and piano with optional guitar is a beautiful and simple setting of a northern Argentinian folk melody.
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Temporal
SATBTemporal is a traditional plena from Puerto Rico. Plena is an Afro-Puerto Rican rhythm that blends melodic and rhythmic elements from Spanish and African musical influences.
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Canto’ E Libertá
SATBCanto’ E Libertad (Song of Freedom), commissioned and premiered at the 2023 ACDA National Conference, embodies hope and resilience.
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El Río
SAEl Río (The River), a captivating folk song from the Andes Mountains of Peru, exemplifies the region’s rich musical heritage.
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Plena
SSAThe Plena is an early twentieth-century Afro-Puerto Rican rhythm that was also a popular musical form among sugar-cane workers.
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Yemaya
SATBYemaya is considered the Ocean Mother Goddess in Santería, an Afro-Caribbean religion practiced around the world. This chant melody was brought to America from West Africa.
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Festejo
SSABased on Afro-Peruvian songs, Festejo is a festive and rhythmic celebration. The title invokes Peru’s most popular folk rhythm.
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El Monigote
SSAAEl Monigote (The Ragdoll) is a traditional Venezuelan children’s song is arranged in the joropo style - a ¾ Venezuelan rhythm from the plains.