Tajin by James Campbell is a solo for percussion and soundscape. In the Veracruz region of Mexico, lie some mysterious archaeological ruins: El Tajin, meaning, "thunder" in the Toltec language. This large ancient complex is believed to have once been a ceremonial and commerce center; its construction has been attributed to a tribe related to the Mayas. There are many questions still about its inhabitants and the many buildings that remain today, smothered in dense jungle vegetation. El Tajin is one of Mexico's most interesting archaeological sites, as many of the structures seem to refer to the measurement of time. The Pyramid of Niches, with its 365 alcoves, suggests to archaeologists that this pyramid was used as some kind of calendar with each niche representing the days of the solar year. Game courts feature heavily here with over a dozen having been discovered already. It is clear that human sacrifices were made at El Tajin and that these rituals were connected with the games played here. Duration: 7 mintuesInstrumentation:3 resonant wood sounds (suggestion: 1" x 6" purpleheart wood planks – 24", 27", 30" in length). 6 resonant skins (suggestion: 22" bass drum, 3 medium-lg. toms, bongos). 5 metals: 3 resonant/2 dry (suggestion: 3 graduated metal plates, high and low stacked cymbals).1 pair, maracas (joropo style). The performer may also substitute shekere or caxixi.Soundscape is available for download at bachovich.com/downloads.php
