With imagination, humor, and vivid storytelling, Valentin Gasser’s work takes us on a most unusual musical journey. While Rambutan may first bring to mind an exotic fruit, the title here refers to a creature born entirely from the composer’s imagination – a mythical being somewhere between an anteater and a platypus.
This programmatic piece unfolds in nine colorful scenes, telling the tale of Rambutan, who one morning awakens in his village and sets off into the unknown. His quest: to find the legendary “Hot Jackal,” a mysterious and elusive figure said to possess extraordinary power.
The journey leads him through unfamiliar landscapes, into a fierce storm, and to the brink of exhaustion. Seeking shelter in a rocky niche, Rambutan loses his mount and finds himself alone, drenched, and despairing. But just at his lowest point, he spots the Hot Jackal standing on a nearby ridge – like a vision. A wild and chaotic chase ensues, culminating in a sudden face-to-face encounter. Instead of conflict, the two creatures pause… and begin to dance.
In the end, Rambutan and the Hot Jackal return to the village side by side. The villagers greet them with a celebration – not because the legendary beast has been conquered, but because a friendship has been forged.
A whimsical, vivid musical narrative full of character, emotion, and imagination – brought to life in striking soundscapes.