Gaslamp's Last Dance (2001)
Written in fulfillment of the Masters in Music degree at Indiana University
10:15
chamber orchestra (2-2-2-2 2-2-1-0 2 perc, pno./cel., strings)
Notes
In this short tone poem, we follow the misadventures of Gaslamp through one last night of reveling, partying, and swinging. Entering the scene with much fanfare, Gaslamp vows to "dance every dance" and "drink every drink." In his vain attempt to party beyond his own meager capacity, Gaslamp collapses in a mix of exhaustion and inebriation. Coming to, he finds himself alone on the dance floor.
Disgusted and humiliated, Gaslamp vows to himself to leave this life style behind and finally settle down. This is the same vow he has made for the past 65 years.
Read by members of the Indiana University Symphony Orchestra
November 25, 2001
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
Audio
Gaslamp's Last Dance
PDF Score excerpt