Robert Hughes

trombone, garden hose, percussion, and one or two dancers

Anagnorisis is the moment in one’s life when one perceives their fate. In this farcical allegory we see the industrial-age human torn between their responsibilities as symbolized by the machine, and their desires as symbolized by the dancer. The dancer is the spirit of art and has for their allies, the musicians. The garden hose represents the character’s inner nature at war with itself; it is used both as a musical instrument and as an element in the dance. The industrial human is unable to make a final commitment.

The work was commissioned by San Francisco Ballet for their lead male dancer, Thatcher Clarke. 

The work showcases the virtuoso trombonist and can also be performed as a concert work without staging. Extensive performance notes accompany the music score. Premiere performances in July 1964 at the San Francisco Ballet School Theatre, featured Thatcher Clarke with musicians Stuart Dempster on trombone and garden hose, and the composer performing the percussion part. Other trombonists who have performed the work include Peter Toyoji Tomita, Kevin Krull, Donald Benham, Johannes Mager, and Andy Strain. 

The work was recorded and released on the Second Evening Art label (#AG1964).