Performance Notes

This is a dramatic piece that starts out small, builds and then ends on a quiet note. It represents the whirling dance performed to try to reach religious ecstasy. This practice, though not intended as entertainment, has become a tourist attraction in Turkey.

The Chorus was written by Beethoven in 1811 as incidental music to accompany the play of the same name by August von Kotzebue, for the dedication of a new theatre at Pest.

Flute 1, Alto and Bass parts are the "Chorus" and play the melody throughout (in the orchestral version, there is a chorus consisting of male voices which these instruments are emulating). If possible, seat them in the front of the rest of the flutes so they are featured. The melody should be played marcato throughout in a dramatic fashion.

The triplets (inspiring images of the whirling dervish) played by the strings in the orchestral arrangement is spread through the rest of the flutes. This line should be continuous, fluid and always UNDER the melody--especially the high triplets at letter "E" through to the end.

The contrabass flute part is important, so if you don't have a contrabass, assign the part to a bass flute.

-Eileen Walpole

This is a digital version of the piece that you can download as a PDF and print. If you’d prefer a physical copy that will be shipped to you, click here.