Program Notes

Kokopelli’s Dance is the first classical composition from a predominantly jazz composer, Nathan Tanouye. The piece begins with Kokopelli’s theme played by a solo flute, the instrument that Kokopelli himself played. The theme is then passed through the ensemble in a fugue-like fashion. This style of writing emits the feelings of happiness and joy for which Kokopelli was the ancient Native American symbol. As different sections of the piece progress, the atmosphere of Kokopelli’s theme changes, just as the atmosphere of a dance changes with the entrance of each new person. A light-hearted, spirited composition, Kokopelli’s Dance is a delightful illustration of an old Native American legend.