La Procession du Rocio

Joaquín Turina/arr. Alfred Reed

La Procession du Rocio. Every June in Triana, the exotic and ancient Gypsy quarter of Seville, residents celebrate a festival called the Procession of the Dew (rocio). The beautiful people enter the city in fine coaches behind an image of the Virgin Mary borne on a golden cart drawn by oxen. All celebrate with bands and music and dancing. A drunkard who sets off firecrackers is visualized in the cornet’s “wobbling” theme. At the sound of flutes and drums announcing the solemn procession, dancing ceases. The procession passes by with pealing church bells and a hint of the Spanish national anthem, a whirling burst of color and sound. Festivities and dancing resume, then fade away.

Joaquín Turina (1882–1949) was a Spanish composer of classical music. He studied in Paris where he was influenced by the impressionistic harmonies of Debussy and Ravel. In Spain, he also drew inspiration from Spanish folk music.

Last updated on May 9, 2016 by Palatine Concert Band