Aristophanes on the Ground

Aristophanes on the Ground combines two structural elements from different periods of music history: on the one hand, an 11-feet rhythmic pattern from Ancient Greece known as ’Astistophanian’ (a composite meter of 4 long and 3 short syllables), and on the other hand a ’ground’, i.e. a continuously reiterated (obstinate) melodic pattern.The genre was extremely popular in the 17th century and a favorite compositional device of Henry Purcell’s.The omnipresent 11-note bass line, written in 11/8 meter, may be subtly hidden or very obviously highlighted.

Tempo markings are provided for information only and may be subject to variation during performance at the performer’s discretion in order to emphasize phrasing and the distinct moods of the piece.