Composition

Notes

Towards the end of the Middle Ages a curious phenomenon appeared in various parts of Europe, where groups of people would spontaneously break into uncontrolled dancing. Sometimes referred to as “St. Vitus’ Dance,” it presumably was exhilarating for a time, but often it lasted for days, until exhaustion or even death. With a mixture of exhilaration and dread, “Choreomania” reflects the emotional state of many of us following today’s news. I hope for more exhilaration than dread, in the listener’s experience and in our lives.

I’m grateful to Ania Vu for requesting the piece and for premiering it with me on the 2026 Ussachevsky Festival.