Atipa-Tcoba

From Wind Repertory Project
Scott McAllister

Scott McAllister


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General Info

Year: 2020
Duration: c. 10:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

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Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Atipa-Tcoba is a Native American (possibly the Alabama people's) name for Man-Eater, a mythological monster of the Southeastern tribes, a huge carnivorous creature that preyed on humans. Its appearance varied greatly from tribe to tribe: in some tribes Man-Eater was described as being bearlike, similar to Naked Bear monsters of the northern tribes. In others, such as the Creek and Seminole tribes, Man-Eater was described as a feline monster similar to a giant mountain lion. In the Alabama and Koasati tribes, many modern people associate Big Man-Eater with elephants. Some folklorists believe the legend of Man-Eater may have been inspired by mammoths or mastodon fossils.

This creature is not human or humanoid in any story that we know of, but is always a giant four-legged animal.

- Program Note from Legendary Native American Figures


Composer Scott McAllister employed a striking dichotomy of violent themes versus still-water calmness in Atipa-Tcoba. The piece begins as the soloists enter the stage from opposite sides playing 32nd-note hocket figures. It quickly settled into a simple harmonized melody accompanied by only piano and vibes. The chase then begins with an asymmetric ostinato introduced by the low voices of the wind orchestra. The piece climaxes with a tutti flurry of soloists and ensemble.

Atipa-Tcoba was written for Peter Ellefson, professor of trombone at Indiana University, and Jonathan Whitaker, professor of trombone at the University of Alabama especially for the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble's performance at the 86th American Bandmasters Association Convention in February 2020.

- Program Note from University of Alabama Wind Ensemble concert program, 5 March 2020


Media

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State Ratings

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Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources