The word “Terpsichorean” comes from the Mythological Greek goddess of dance, Terpsichore. Dance-like movement and its ability to re-contextualize material shapes the core concept of this piece. The work begins with a basic theme stripped of nearly all harmony. This improves upon its elasticity, allowing the theme to easily morph and fit into different molds throughout the work. These molds, or “settings”, are each influenced and inspired by one or a number of regions throughout the world. These differences are reflected in drastic changes in instrumentation, the mixture of different percussion instruments and rhythms, and semi-complex time signatures with implied hemiolas, resulting in an eclectic hodgepodge of multicultural dances.

Instrumentation

Flute 1,2
Oboe 1,2
Bassoon 1,2
Clarinet 1,2,3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax. 1,2
Tenor Sax.
Baritone Sax.

Trumpet 1,2,3
Horn 1,2,3,4
Trombone 1, 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Contrabass

Timpani
Xylophone
Marimba
Bass Drum
Cymbals
Maracas
Tambourine
Slapstick
Conga
Cabasa
Triangle
Agogo Bells
Brake Drum