Ο Χορός του 21 – The Dance of 21

op. 88, 2021

For orchestra
Duration: 7 min.

Instrumentation: 2.2.2.- 4.3.3.1., timpani, percussion (5), harp (not obligatory), piano (not obligatory), strings

Commissioned by the Athens State Orchestra (KOA) for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.

World Premiere: to be announced soon
Orchestra: Athens State Orchestra
Conductor: Stefanos Tsialis

Composer’s Notes

The Dance of 21 is a work commissioned by the Athens State Orchestra (KOA) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution.

The Greek Revolution of 1821 is not just a historical event that happened 200 years ago; it still lives intensely today on many levels: as a historical and social event, as a political, personal, emotional and temporal memory. It shows where we are today socially in relation to 200 years ago, what were and are the obstacles, opportunities or possibilities on the way to freedom.

Today, perhaps the most important revolution is the one “within ourselves” and how everyone can expand their consciousness through it. Much can then change on both a personal and collective level.

These thoughts became the inspiration for my new composition The Dance of 21.

The Dance of 21 begins with an upbeat use of percussion, continues with a dynamic melodic dance followed by strident diatonic chords from the brass and percussion. The percussion returns with more force and the dance begins again.

The dramaturgy of the composition is based on versatile, alternating moods: an alternating rhythmic movement, the alternation of melodies, rhythmic passages and timbres between certain instrumental groups, which are dynamically replaced by the preceding ones. The alternations settle down, as if a sonic transformation is taking place, only to begin dynamically anew for a collective triumphant conclusion to the composition.

I dedicate the composition The Dance of 21 to all those who rebel within themselves every day with strength, struggle and faith, to those who tirelessly defend hope and deeper humanity, to those who, without knowing or caring, become the new role model for the future.