| Instrumentation |
Flute, Flute piccolo, Clarinet, Bassoon, Oboe, Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp, Snare drum, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Timpani, Bass Clarinet, Bass viol |
| Description |
This is a re-arrangement and orchestration of a piece for pipe organ, which was commissioned by Saint Margaret’s Episcopal church in Palm Desert, California for the dedication recital of its new chancel organ and premiered there in 1999 by Michael Brittenback. Mr. Brittenback first sent me sound samples of the organ’s flute stops, for which the organ builder was famous. Several of them reminded me of the Native American flute, which brought to mind Kokopelli, the legendary flute-playing deity of the ancient Puebloans. Like most fertility deities, humpbacked Kokopelli was believed to have presided over courtship, childbirth and agriculture, including blowing away Winter and bringing the Spring. The Zuni associate Kokopelli with the rains. He was thought of as a trickster, but he also represented the spirit of music, which was a sacred and unifying force.
Several people who heard the premiere of the pipe-organ piece suggested it would make an effective work for orchestra. After hearing the stunning first performance of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony under its new director, Gabriel Gordon, I set out to re-arrange and orchestrate it for them. A video of their premiere performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4KkcJXzedM&list=FLqHu-S2l2EdyZRbmF5HyU4g
Licensed by ASCAP, 410951636 |