Taking the form of a 5 part rondo, this is a level 3 piece that focuses on im alternation, various rhythmic combinations, and accidental reading. There are very few string crossings, allowing players to focus on producing even tone, different articulations, and dynamic contours. In the syncopated accompaniment sections, ask the students to dampen the staccato notes by placing a right hand finger on the string. For example, if a staccato note is played with i, then m will fall on the string to provide the articulation and prepare for the next note. This piece also provides an opportunity to discuss enharmonic spelling.
Cultural connections
“Sisyphus” offers a musical language that should be jarring to students‘ ears. Chromatic movement and clashing dissonances evoke the expressionist style. Expressionism exists in literature, visual arts, and music. A popular example in literature is Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. In the visual arts, a common example is Edvard Munch’s painting The Scream. In music, a well known example is Béla Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin. Discuss these works with the students, focusing on the types of emotions and moods that surround expressionism. Provide historical context. Encourage students to see the absurdity and humor that go along with the darker elements in expressionism.
The title “Sisyphus” is an allusion to the Greek myth. Ask the students to research the myth and discuss the reasons why the title was chosen for this piece. This piece may provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with the english, history, theatre, dance, or visual arts departments in your school.