Pas de Deux
Pas de Deux
Cello and Piano
A pas de deux (literally a “step of two”) is a dance duet in which two dancers
(typically a man and a woman) perform ballet steps together. The title was an
irresistible metaphor for my two gifted and accomplished colleagues to whom
the piece is dedicated, Eric Kutz and Miko Kominami.
I. The Horizon Beckons
The title of the opening movement makes reference to my interest in the poetic
imagination of the ancient Egyptians, who viewed the horizon as emblematic of
the mysteries of the unknown and the eternal. The western and eastern horizons
were seen as the portals of time, the gateways of yesterday and tomorrow and
the cyclic nature of eternity—to me, a deeply moving and beautiful image.
II. Tango: Kurwenal Steps Out
This movement is a tango that makes occasional reference to Tristan und Isolde in
the form of musical puns, hence the title and the further caption, “Poor Kurwenal,
Tristan’s faithful friend, he deserves a night out on the town.”
III. Bulgarian Rhythm
The energetic finale explores rhythmic ideas that place groupings of three versus
two into dynamic interaction. Although there are no overt references to Eastern
European folk music in the piece, the meter of the principal theme is 3+3+2, one
of the metric patterns often labeled as a “Bulgarian rhythm.”
Movements: I. The Horizon Beckons II. Tango, Kurwenal Steps Out III. Bulgarian Rhythm
Authored (or revised): 2003
Published: 2024
Duration (minutes): 14
Book format: Score and Part
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A pas de deux (literally a “step of two”) is a dance duet in which two dancers
(typically a man and a woman) perform ballet steps together. The title was an
irresistible metaphor for my two gifted and accomplished colleagues to whom
the piece is dedicated, Eric Kutz and Miko Kominami.
I. The Horizon Beckons
The title of the opening movement makes reference to my interest in the poetic
imagination of the ancient Egyptians, who viewed the horizon as emblematic of
the mysteries of the unknown and the eternal. The western and eastern horizons
were seen as the portals of time, the gateways of yesterday and tomorrow and
the cyclic nature of eternity—to me, a deeply moving and beautiful image.
II. Tango: Kurwenal Steps Out
This movement is a tango that makes occasional reference to Tristan und Isolde in
the form of musical puns, hence the title and the further caption, “Poor Kurwenal,
Tristan’s faithful friend, he deserves a night out on the town.”
III. Bulgarian Rhythm
The energetic finale explores rhythmic ideas that place groupings of three versus
two into dynamic interaction. Although there are no overt references to Eastern
European folk music in the piece, the meter of the principal theme is 3+3+2, one
of the metric patterns often labeled as a “Bulgarian rhythm.”
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