Pandora’s Box
Composers:- Dietz, Brett
Duration: 7
Description:
According to Greek Mythology, Pandora was the first woman on earth. She was sent by Zeus to Prometheus and Epimetheus as a punishment for stealing fire from heaven and giving it to man. Zeus gave Pandora a box and told her to not open it under any circumstance. Ignoring the warning, she opened the box allowing all manner of evil and sickness to escape and spread across the earth. Pandora tried to close the box but everything had escaped with the exception of Hope which remained. Therefore, it is said that no matter what evils are present in the world, Hope has not left us completely. In my composition, I have tried to recreate these events through a sound canvas of wind and percussion instruments. The “minimalist” nature of the piece helps to reinforce the nature of the myth. During the work’s extended coda, new material is added with each repeat giving the listener an impression of increasing chaos (much like the evil and sickness escaping from the box). The piece concludes on a diminished fifth played fff by the low brass and timpani – Pandora’s final attempt to slam the lid shut. Pandora’s Box was commissioned by the University of Scranton Wind Ensemble, Cheryl Boga, Conductor. –Brett William Dietz
X772003 / 42131 PANDORA’S BOX SC/PS $175.00
X077411 / 41160 PANDORA’S BOX FS $49.95