"Ogoun Badagris" by Christopher Rouse

"Ogoun Badagris" is a Haitian-inspired percussion quintet written Christopher Rouse in 1976. In the Haitian culture, Ogoun Badagris is an incredibly violent voodoo deity who can only be appeased by human blood and sacrifice. This piece is written to represent an appeasement or sort of prayer to this deity. The word "reler" which is chanted repeatedly at the end of the piece is a statement similar to the Christian "Amen" symbolizing the end of the appeasement and, likewise, the end of the piece. While the piece is not a direct transcription of a voodoo ceremony, several rhythyms and drumming patterns are directly taken from the Haitian Juba Dance.

Instruments in the ensemble such as the congas, cabasa, and metal plates are included to represent traditional instruments that were once used in the ritual. In particular, the congas are an incredibly close resemblance to a similar set of drums called the be-be, the seconde, the maman, and the asator.

Christopher Rouse (1949-2019) was an well-accomplished American composer who wrote for a multitude of ensembles and mediums. Ogoun Badagris is just one example of his early contemporary works in the 1970s and 80s. As his career progressed, Rouse delved heavily into orchestral literature and wrote several symphonies, concertos, and a requiem. He was awarded multiple honors during his career including the Lincoln Center Friedheim Award, the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition, along with multiple residencies including the New York Philharmonic, Tanglewood Music Center, and the Aspen Music Festival.
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Piece: Ogoun Badagris
Composer: Christopher Rouse

Musicians of the UNCSA Percussion Ensemble:
Benjamin Burson (Toms/Bass Drum)
Michael Cornwell (Congas/Woodblocks)
Thompson Jones (Timbales/Bongos)
Garrett Strauss (Metal Plates/Accessories)
Dante' Thomas (Timpani/Snare Drum)

Audio/Video: Benjamin Burson
Director/Organizer: Professor John R. Beck
Producer: Izzy Butler

This film was recorded in Watson Chamber Music Hall at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.