Hercules Overture

(This work currently has no available recording.)
 
Hercules Overture is a work for a modular orchestra, with the orchestra divided into twelve chamber ensembles, inspired by the Twelve Labors of Hercules of Greek mythology. The orchestra is accompanied by a solo violinist who takes on the role of Hercules in the piece, and also cues the entrances and exits of the various groups, as Hercules initiates the hard-earned completion of his twelve labors. The complete instrumentation of the orchestra is as follows: Flutes (2 segments), Oboes, Bass Clarinets, Bassoons, Horns (2 segments), Trumpets (2 segments), Trombones, Bass Trombones, Tubas, Violins (5 segments + soloist), Violas, Cellos (2 segments), Basses, and 8 Percussionists (Bass Drum, Marimba, Vibraphone, Woodblock, Stamping Stick, Tambourine, Piccolo Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Resonant Metals).
 
The score is given in text-based instructions, and over the course of twelve minutes, the solo violinist cues the entrances and exits of all twelve chamber groups, creating both moments of wild cacophony and simple repose. In the midst of this cacophony are specific instructions for each chamber group, creating sound games loosely inspired by the mythological story that each group represents. The violin soloist responds musically to the changes in texture and volume over the course of the piece, leading the audience through the story as groups rise up and fade out.