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SAGA is a chamber tone-poem inspired by the Icelandic Eddic lays, the central repository of Old Norse mythology and a great
work of literature bodying forth a prodigious vision of the Universe, of its origins and of its end. Rich in allegory, the
subject matter is gnomic as well as heroic and it includes the vicissitudes of the gods. The poems suggest the cyclical nature
of history as well as bearing some influence from early Christian though.
SAGA is scored for Piano (solo), Violin (solo), Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, Bassoon, 2 Horns,
2 Trumpets, Trombone, Percussion (2 players), 2 Violas, Cello & Bass.
The first performance took place on March 25, 2003 in New York City (Composer Portraits Series-Miller Theatre) and it
featured Kristjan Jarvi's Absolute Ensemble. The soloists were Joseph Kalichstein, piano and Anne Akiko Meyers, violin.
SAGA was commissioned by the Absolute Ensemble with funds provided by Meet the Composer's Commissioning Music/USA.
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