Paramuno iridiscente

The Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii) is a hummingbird endemic to the Cundiboyacense region of Colombia that acts as a pollinator in its ecosystem—the páramo—by feeding on the nectar of frailejón flowers. This work draws inspiration from the iridescence of its most distinctive physical feature, the beard, as it attempts to sonically illustrate the optical phenomena of iridescence and structural coloration. It also seeks to evoke the delicate balance of the páramo ecosystem, in which this tiny creature plays a vital ecological role.

Recorded live in 2022 during the concert Tierra de Aves: Colombian Biodiversity Through Music.

Recording, mixing and mastering by Luca Gardani. Performed by Ensamble Vasto, including: Santiago Prada (sx), David Santiago Pérez (trbn/vx), Joaquín López (vln) and Andrés Poveda Herera (vcl).