Description
Duration 4:30min
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Program Notes
When we think of Mount Olympus and the ancient Greek Gods who are said to have lived there, we often think of the powerful male gods like Zeus and Neptune. However, there are some fascinating stories around the women of Mount Olympus, and this series of works pays homage to them. Women have always been, it is easily argued, able to manage the whims of their men by using their emotional intelligence, understanding and often superior intellect.
As I raise a daughter (who is almost 15 now), I want to let her know that being smart and strong is okay, whilst being gentle and kind. My daughter Hannah is a huge fan of ancient Greek mythology, and it is her love of the Gods & Goddesses that became the inspiration for this series of works.
We begin with Athena, who was the daughter of Zeus, and is associated with wisdom, weaving and strategic war, while her full name "Athena Parthenos" refers to her status as a virgin Goddess. "The Parthenon" translates into English as "the house of the virgin".
This work seeks to capture the wisdom, quiet power and kindness of Athena and heavily utilises mixed meter which is synonymous with Greek folk/dance music through the ages.
Instrumentation
Piccolo, Flute 1 2, Oboe 1 2, Bassoon 1 2, Contrabassoon (opt.), Bb Clarinet 1 2 3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax 1 2, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, F Horn 1 2 3 4, Bb Trumpet 1 2 3, Trombone 1 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium (BC & TC), Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone