The organ's massive versatility is exploited as much as possible through a thorough dissection of this piece's octatonic, irregular-meter theme. The first variation, in contrast to the frenzy that preceded it, quietly and lethargically restates the theme using the organ's flute stops. The second variation increases the tension once more by belching out the theme on the instrument's pedals and low end. After an interlude that echoes the introduction, the third variation places the theme in a mystical whole tone context, and the fourth variation uses the theme as the basis for a bright, march-like fanfare. The brief fifth variation ramps up the chaos once more, leading to the piece's conclusion on an inverse statement of the theme in its original style.

All stops were selected based on the ranks of the Mildred Andrews Boggess Memorial Organ at the University of Oklahoma.

The Nine Muses of Greek mythology were said to preside over and inspire the fundamental arts of the Ancient Greeks. They are: Calliope (epic poetry), Polyhymnia (sacred hymns), Terpsichore (dance), Thalia (comedy), Erato (love poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Euterpe (lyrical poetry), Urania (astronomy), and Clio (history). Tackling the essence of each of these figures is this collection of character pieces set for Pierrot ensemble. Built upon a rotating nine-tone row and touching upon signature elements of major periods in music history, these movements are as much an experimental mixture of the modern with the traditional as they are colorful personifications of the mythological immortals for which they are named.

Very few of us wear our hearts on our sleeves. More often than not, our deepest and truest emotions lie deep within us - irritation, heartache, anxiety, and the like. Each of the movements of this string quartet explores one of these hidden states of being through cyclical structures, often aided by looping technology uniquely utilized by the string quartet ATLYS.