Ode to Sisyphus by Alec Schumacker

Ode to Sisyphus By Alec Schumacker

Ensemble Type: Concert Band
Duration: 4 minutes 45 seconds
Grade Level: 4

The musicians of the Sounds of Spring Wind Ensemble assisted greatly in the genesis of the work, providing formal ideas and specific musical requests. In particular, they wanted the piece to be very rhythmically active, feature frequently changing meter, and be based around a central theme that repeats and morphs throughout the entire piece.

After hearing a digital rendition of the finished piece, they were given the chance to name it. Student Oliver Lee came up with “Ode to Sisyphus” and said, “The Greek myth of Sisyphus tells the story of someone cursed to push a boulder up a hill for eternity: right when it’s about to stay at the top of the hill, it rolls back down, and Sisyphus pushes it up again. This myth, like this piece with its main idea that keeps coming back in different forms, is about perseverance, as well as breaking free from a cycle.”

Many thanks to Oliver for his brilliant thoughts and interpretation!

Premiered by: Arrowhead High School Wind Ensemble at the 2022 New York “Sounds of Spring” Festival