For those wondering, composer and pianist Miguel del Aguila, along with flutist April Clayton presents Torrential Raindance, op. 136 for flute and piano via Ur/Text on August 1st, 2025.

The composer writes about this piece: “Composed in 2023 during a drought in the American Southwest, Torrential Raindance depicts an imagined ritual chant/dance intended to summon much-needed rain. The piece begins with the soft, tentative chant theme, accompanied by piano noise evoking a hot, dry landscape.”

“The chant repeats almost unchanged for a prolonged period, initially bringing only a few drops of water. As the singer persists with the soothing chant, a calm, steady rain eventually begins, enveloping him with a warm, comforting embrace.”

“The rain intensifies, becoming torrential, and the singer’s reaction and chant grow in intensity, loudness, and tempo. As the water rises, the singer floats and delivers a final, triumphant reiteration of the chant theme, celebrating the fulfillment of its purpose as the rain becomes abundant and nearly uncontrollable.”

Torrential Raindance was premiered by April Clayton and Miguel del Águila in August 2024 at the National Flute Convention in San Antonio, TX.

1. Piano Rolls Flute, Op. 138 (for flute and piano)
2. Torrential Raindance, Op. 136 (for flute and piano)
3. Silencio, Op. 107 (for flute and piano)
4. Sonata flautísima, Op. 120 (for flute and piano)
I. Caminando
II. Beatboxing
III. Alegre
5. Malambo, Op. 115 (for flute and piano)

With three-time Grammy nominated American composer Miguel del Aguila always creating distinctive, innovative music, this brand new set opens on the beautiful, simply heavenly, seductively ornate Piano Rolls Flute, Op. 138 and that gives way to the slightly more defined, gently emboldened Torrential Raindance, Op. 136 and the aptly entitled Silencio, Op. 107 (which is mesmerizing in the way that it has been elegantly sculpted), before we are brought forth a three piece Sonata flautísima, Op. 120; which itself opens on the calming Caminando, a dutifully crafted Beatboxing, rounding out on the all-embracing, veritably flirtacious Alegre, the last work being the studious, gracefully atmopsheric Malambo, Op. 115.

migueldelaguila.com