Mythologies

Mythologies (2026) is a sonata for trumpet and piano that explores archetypes, expectations, and the experiences that make us who we are. Each movement is inspired by a different Greek god or goddess, utilizing epithets ascribed to them as musical points of reflection and friction. The first movement, "Messenger," introduces Hermes as the herald of the gods, swiftly delivering news between Mount Olympus, the realm of mortals, and the underworld. The trumpet and piano traverse murky harmonic and textural territory, taking bold leaps and big chances in navigating both the villainous and the divine. The second movement, "Archer," sonically depicts the charming and at times prideful Apollo, god of music and poetry. This movement's main theme fluctuates between dance and lament as the performers attempt to balance the pastoral life of the lyre with the heroism of bows and arrows. The final movement, "Huntress," celebrates the independent and adventurous Artemis, goddess of wilderness, nature, and the hunt. The trumpet and piano musically prowl and pounce with fearless articulated figures and nimble melodic gestures. Mythologies showcases the trumpet's virtuosity and lyrical beauty, investigating the difference between how we see ourselves, how others see us, and what parts of our story might live on through time. Thank you to Marcus Grant, Matthew Vangjel, and the consortium for commissioning Mythologies and for their support of new music for trumpet.