El Cascabel for Flute Ensemble by Lorenzo Barcelata

Arranged by Christin Hablewitz

2026

Instrumentation

Piccolo

Flute 1 , 2, 3

Alto Flute 1 , 2

Bass Flute 1 , 2

Contra Bass Flute

Double Contra Bass Flute

Duration 3:45

Composition Notes

El Cascabel, or "The Rattle" is a traditional Mexican mariachi song from Veracruz, located on the eastern coast of Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico. It is a state rich in history and culture and became a hub for trade between Spain, Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. The song is in the son huapango folk-style and popularized by the Veracruz born composer Lorenzo Barcelata. The song talks about a rattle adorned with a purple ribbon that reverberates in the sand that is worn as an amulet that protects its bearer from evil. Mariachi is a unique and wonderful musical style with an unmistakable unique sound that is a powerful symbol of Mexican culture, identity and community pride; a reminder of shared human experience and cultural heritage.

I fell in love with this song when learning and performing it with my students in Southern California. We loved the groove, variations and energy of the song, along with how the meter shifted between 3/4 and 6/8 time. The song “moved us” and changed our mood and emotion to joy and exuberance every time we played it. I just knew it would be a fun song for a flute ensemble too and this lively arrangement was created. I hope your ensemble can feel the power of this vibrant and important music.

-Christin Hablewitz

This is a digital version of the piece that you can download as a PDF and print.