Proteus Rising

Original percussion ensemble piece by Mike Nevin.

Proteus, in Greek mythology, is the prophetic old man of the sea who tended the seals of Poseidon. He could change himself into any shape he pleased, but if he were nevertheless seized and held, he would foretell the future.

From the shape-shifting feature of Proteus comes the adjective protean, with the general meaning of "versatile", "mutable", "capable of assuming many forms". "Protean" has positive connotations of flexibility, versatility and adaptability."

Proteus Rising" is an original work for percussion ensemble commissioned by the Tunstall Concert Ensemble for the 2007 WGI season. From fast, angular passages to lyrical and flowing phrases, "Proteus Rising" constantly shifts shapes and assumes many forms and is ultimately meant to show the versatility of the performers.