Luna (Violin and Saxophone Quartet)

This composition consists of twelve short movements that represent the twelve months of the Roman calendar. The ancient Romans, like ancient civilizations before them, based their concept of the month on the Moon, hence the title of the composition.Januarius (January)Named after the Roman god of beginnings and endings Janus (the month Januarius) is a slow introductory movement that grows in intensity as it unfolds.Februa (February)The name comes either from the old-Italian god Februus or else from februa, signifying the festivals of purification celebrated in Rome during this month. This movement contains a lot of open harmony that represents purification.Mars (March)This is the first month of the Roman year. It is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. A battle between the instruments is the idea behind this movement.Aprilis (April)Called Aprilis, from aperire, to open, possibly because it is the month in which the buds begin to open. This movement uses rising arpeggios to signify buds opening.Maiesta (May)This is the third month of the Roman calendar. The name probably comes from Maiesta, the Roman goddess of honor and reverence. Majestic sounds dominate this movement.Juniores (June)The fourth month was named in honor of Juno. However, the name might also come from iuniores (young men; juniors) as opposed to maiores (grown men; majors) for May, the two months being dedicated to young and old men. This movement captures the playfulness of youth.Quintilis (July)It was the month in which Julius Caesar was born, and named Julius in his honor in 44 BCE, the year of his assassination. Also called Quintilis (fifth month). This movement is in 5/4 with frequent use of melodic fifths.Augustus (August)Originally this month was called Sextilis (from sextus, six), but the name was later changed in honor of the first of the Roman emperors, Augustus (because several fortunate events of his life occurred during this month). The reign of Augustus initiated an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana (The Roman Peace). This movement is serene and peaceful.Septem (September)The name comes from septem, meaning seven. This movement explores seven beats per measure and intervals of the seventh.Octo (October)The name comes from octo, meaning eight. Eight note melodic ideas and eighth-note rhythms dominate this movement.Novem (November)The name comes from novem, meaning nine. This movement is in 9/8 meter.Decem (December)The name comes from decem, meaning ten. This movement is in 2/4 with ten note phrases.