This programmatic work depicts three great Mythological Gods: Perseus, the Greek hero and legendary founder of Mycenae, Penthos, the spirit of grief and lamentation, and lastly, Zeus, who ruled as King of the Gods on Mount Olympus.

 

I: “Perseus: Slayer of Medusa”, is a rousing, dramatic piece with a heroic trumpet theme. The piece develops into a flowing, melodic section that is accompanied by a rhythmic pulse in the lower reeds and brass. The main theme returns with a grand, stately tempo incorporating the full ensemble. It ends with a coda that, like the sword that Perseus wields, is fast, exciting, and rhythmic.

 

II: “Penthos: the Spirit of Grief” is a lyrical, plaintiff meditation on human dissolving into a contemplative mood.

 

III: “Zeus: God of Sky and Thunder”. To represent the strength and power of the Dyaus Pita or Sky Father, this section opens with a powerful brass theme and stalwart orchestrations. The second theme uses warm, rich thematic material before moving into a recapitulation of the first melodic idea. The coda utilizes chordal brass to bring this epic work to its stirring conclusion.