Moments At Canyon De Chelly
Greg A. Steinke
About this work:
Based on Canyon del Muerto-Mummy Cave, Canyon del Muerto-Massacre Cave, Spider Rock-Spider Woman's Lair
Program Notes:
These movements are based on a visit made to Canyon de Chelly in Arizona in the spring of 2005. They represent momentary impressions of the places named.
I. Canyon del Muerto – Mummy Cave
An ancient cave ruin and where nearby the mummified remains of an ancient Native American were discovered.
II. Canyon del Muerto – Massacre Cave
A ledge and cave where many years ago Native Americans sought refuge in hiding from Spanish conquerors. Story has it that one of the women revealed the location by taunting the Spaniards. When one of them came after her they grappled and ended up both falling to their deaths.
III. Spider Rock – Spider Woman’s Lair
According to Navajo creation stories, the home of Spider Woman, a disciplinary figure for young children. The sun-bleached rocks at the top are supposedly the bones of children who did not behave. The legacy of Diné rug weaving is also attributed to Spider Woman.
Version: Image Music XXVI
Year composed: 2005
Duration: 00:11:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Oboe
Instrumentation notes: requires some use of extended performance techniques
Also version for flute and sax