Xtoles – Aztec hymn to the sun (elementary strings)

Title: Xtoles (pronounced “chee-tol-les”) – Aztec hymn to the sun, arr. David Gable

Key: G Major

Meter: 4/4

Tempo: Maestoso

Genre: Indigenous song

Origin: Central America

Markings: dynamics (pp; p); upbows

Instrumentation: Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola (doubles cello); Cello; Bass (optional)

Note: open fifth double stops; double upbows; may be performed using as few as two parts, one high (violins) one low (viola, cello/bass); effective using layering (starting with a few instruments, adding more on each repetition) Xtoles is the oldest known musical piece in the Western Hemisphere. Various Central American cultures, including Aztec, Maya, and Toltec, have been identified as originating this chant.