ABOUT THIS PROJECT

-Three Muses for Solo Guitar-

I. PRELUDE
II. EVOCATION
III. DANCE

The title for this work was inspired from the name the Greek poet, Hesiod, gave to Terpsichore, one of the nine ancient muses of Greco-Roman religion.

The first movement is of fanfare-ish character, and is reminiscent of Spanish folk music. The second movement is of dignified character; a solemn, personal prayer. It is reminiscent of lush, Brazilian music. The final movement is based on African dance rhythms. Through tense contrasts between Pizzicato and Ordinario playing, the familiar harmonic world of the first movement returns, bringing the Dance to an exhilarating close.

“Whirler of the Dance” was first premiered by Matt James at the University of Southern California.

It is winner of The 1998 ASCAP Foundation / Morton Gould Young Composer Award, and the 1998 Guitar Foundation of America Set Piece Competition Award.