Kokopelli

Notes

Kokopelli is a fertility deity, venerated by some Native American cultures in the south-western USA. Petroglyphs of him playing the flute (which looks to me much more like a recorder), with his distinctive humped back, date from as far back as 750 to 850 AD. He is said to carry unborn children to women on his back, and also, through his music, to chase away winter and bring about spring. He is said to represent the spirit of music.

This piece, composed in celebration of John Turner’s 70th birthday, contains a fertility of material, which reflects the fertility of musical activity that John is responsible for.