Composer’s Note:

Rumpelstilzchentanz is part of a compilation of music inspired by fairy tales from around the world commissioned by bassoonist Cornelia Sommer. I chose to respond to the Grimm brothers’ retelling of the German folk tale “Rumpelstilskin” the music depicts the title character’s grotesque, lurching dance as he inadvertently reveals his name to the unseen protagonist. Rumpelstilzchentanz was completed in August 2021 with the generous support of the International Double Reed Society and the Presser Foundation.