I began to write this work after encountering my friend Nicolai's Fujara (a tabor pipe class contrabass overtone flute originating from central Slovakia). I was captured by its timbre and how the sound felt like dark jungles and lush primal power. Alto flute is one of my favorite instruments in the western tradition, and when I had the opportunity to write a short piece for my friend Yanni Ovalle's recital, this seemed a great opportunity to explore capturing the Fujara's spirit on an industrialized instrument.

Ek' Balam is an ancient city built by the Mayan civilization around 700 BC and was once the capital of their empire. 45 structures remain standing and are found in Temozón--a city in the Mexican state of Yucatán. Ek' Balam roughly translates to "Bright Star Jaguar" and takes its name from one of the Mayans primary deities who wore the skin of a black jaguar. "Balam" was also a title of respect given to Mayan rulers and priests.

The jaguar plays a prominent role in mythologies from all around Central and South America, Africa, and India. The black panther is especially sacred in these ancient cultures because of its rarity. What is interesting is that all of these cultures ascribed it with similar values--ferocity/bravery, shadows, the moon, beauty/fertility, protection, transcendance, and mastery over many domains.