RITUALS AND DANCES

Based on the novel "Anpao-An American Indian Odyssey" by Jamake Highwater, this work was originally a theatre-dance work with narration, which was loosly adapted from the main elements of the story. It is scored for large chamber ensemble (triple quintet) with percussion. The piece may be performed either as a concert work or as a theatre-dance work, conceived, as it was, in terms of both musical structure and physical movement. The eight sections of the piece are all related melodically and harmonlically, and collectively form a whole. The work was performed originally by faculty musicians and student dancers. The music is often technically and rhythmically challenging, but could be performed by advanced college music majors.