“Enkantasyon” or chanting is one of the most sophisticated genres in Haitian music.
Here are its characteristics:
1) Atonal—jumping from key to key. No dominant 7th chord for tension and resolution
2) Strongly based on calls and responses
3) Strong emphasis on pentatonic scales—major or minor
4) Besides the “ason”, which sounds like a shaker, there is no other percussion
5) Heavy use of microtones, which I did not insert in this piece
“Pryè Tanprisouple” can be translated as “Supplication.” It is the first piece in my next book entitled “Pinnalaganash, Chantrèl III”, to be released in a few months. It does have a strong flavor of “Enkantasyon” and the arrangement did present some challenge for me. I did not put a lot of emphasis on chords and this 2 voice harmony for the 2nd violin and the viola was a little tricky since the phrasings of the cello must really support the whole arrangement of the piece.
I really love this piece. I did ask God, my Father, to allow me to listen to the music of the Angels. As a “sèvitè”, listening to the music of the “Zanj Ginen” may be a prelude and taste of what I could hear near the magnificent spheres of those gracious Beings created by the Holy Spirit, our Divine Mother.
It takes me to a very peaceful place where I can see with my eyes shut.
I hope it brings you also those marvelous moments of internal peace.
Ayibobo!
Audio–Priyè Tanprisouple
P.S. I have looked for the meaning of those words which compose “Pinnalaganash”—Pine à la ganache. Pine means “penis” in French. Ganache has numerous meanings—a) lower part of the mouth of a horse b) someone who is not quite intelligent c) old friend d) an alcoholic beverage. In Creole, in the Northern of Haiti, where I’m from, Pinnalaganash means “Danble” or “d’emblée” in French—M’sye kanpe pinnagalanash. It means he is strongly determined to do what he wants to do.
“Danble” means strong or strongly minded in Creole.
