Itaipu
The Itaipu Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world [1]. We love dams, so we went to see this one which is nearby the Iguazu falls, that brought us to this region of the globe.
It certainly is impressive but visits don't let you see much of it, so unless you can make sure you will gain access inside, or let to walk around at your discretion (going there by yourself for instance rather than on a bus tour), I would not recommend spending any time there and give all your attention to the falls (maybe also to the bird zoo, which we have not visited).
Glass work
Philip Glass composed a gripping symphonic cantata sung in Guarani [2], to honour the structure:
- Mato Grosso
- The Lake
- The Dam
- To the Sea
- The Canyon (?!).
I could never find the lyrics, not even in Guarani.
The extract below is from the Lake, a portion where powerful Guarani choirs sing to the glory of Itaipu as if celebrating a primitive religious ceremony. You can hear repeatedly the voices imploring a god-like figure by singing its name: I-tai-pu, alternating slow oration and frantic incantations, accompanied by a high-pitched flute that is like a torrent flowing through the voices:
This mixing of the classical score with choirs that detonate with the strength of Orff's O Fortuna, reminds of another majestic composition also inspired by these waters: the Mission, by Ennio Morricone.
See also
- Iguazu falls, the famous waterfalls, nearby.