Zodiac Suite: Gemini
Mary Lou WilliamsPiece Duration: 2:20
About this Piece
Program Note: "Zodiac Suite was the first orchestral program Mary Lou Williams composed in her own name, originally produced in 1945, but never performed by a full orchestra in her lifetime; her largest arrangement was also limited to a much smaller 45-instrument grouping.
The Zodiac Suite explores varying eras and musical styles, with Williams referencing beloved artists and influences in her life grouped under their respective astrological signs. Gemini is dedicated to Harold “Shorty” Baker (jazz trumpeter)." - Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Arrangement: Originally performed as a piano piece - https://youtu.be/dlVOklPujdU
Contrast: The movement's form is ABAB. In the Notable Passages below, listen for the differences between the A and B sections!
Featured Movements:
-Aries
-Taurus
-Gemini
-Cancer
-Libra
-Scorpio
-Sagittarius
-Capricorn
-Aquarius
Notable Passages
Description:
In the A section, the brass and winds slowly build an ascending scale, adding one note at a time, in conjunct motion!
The pizzicato strings play in contrary motion, moving downward as the brass and winds move upward!
Keywords: Conjunct Motion - Counterpoint , Contrary Motion , Pizzicato
Description:
The B section begins! How does it differ from the A section?
Keywords: Contrast
Description:
The A section repeats once again!
Keywords: Conjunct Motion - Counterpoint , Contrary Motion , Pizzicato
Description:
The piece ends with one final B section!