Notes from the score of Mitos Brasileiros (Brazilian Myths) by Ney Rosauro:
IARA: She is a kind of Brazilian mermaid. Said to be a blond girl, half woman and half fish, she sings to attract unsuspecting men. Once they are under her spell, they die trying to follow her into the deep water. Within the movement, she tries once and fails, but upon a second effort, she is successful in luring her victim to the bottom of the dark lake.
CURUPIRA: One of the most popular and fantastic inhabitants of the Brazilian jungle, represented by a dwarf with red hair and inverted feet, having his toes face behind him. He is the devil of the jungle and often makes people and objects disappear while in the forest. Having inverted feet, he leaves false footprints causing people to become lost in the jungle and succumb to unexpected fears. He is the protector of the trees and animals and is said to sometimes make agreements with the hunters, punishing them with death if they do not keep their promises. He appears on stage in the middle of the movement making a mess and causing chaos and confusion among the
performers.
UIRAPURÚ: This is the wonder of the forest and the protector of the birds. When it sings, all birds, animals, and humans are magically attracted by the beauty of its melody. Occasionally it will assume the form of a beautiful bird, causing many of the birds to follow behind wherever it goes. The bird song used here was notated in 1850 by Dr. R. Spruce, a British researcher, while in the Amazon jungle.
