Marsalis, Wynton: At the Octoroon Balls (1995) 45'
for string quartet

Repertoire Note  
At the Octoroon Balls explores the American-Creole contradictions and compromises –cultural, social, and political – exemplified by life in New Orleans. The piece’s seven movements evoke people, places, and events in the Crescent City: “Come Long Fiddler,” “Mating Calls and Delta Rhythms,” “Creole Contradanzas,” “Many Gone,” “Hellbound Highball,” “Blue Lights on the Bayou,” and “Rampart St. Row House Rag.” Commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, At the Octoroon Balls was premiered on May 7, 1995 at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center by the Orion String Quartet.