About Gypsies of Galatia

The compositional depiction of 'Gypsies of Galatia' developed along the harmonic structure of the introduction of the track. The I vi ii IV chord pattern established in the introduction creates the architecture for the production, and the instrumentation was selected to reflect the cultural imagery of gypsies that I had witnessed while living in Ireland. A modal motif [played by a dulcimer and uillean pipe] provides a platform that made possible a confluence of instruments that also includes medieval or Praetorius bagpipe [named after the 16th century German musicologist, Michael Praetorius], bodhran, castanets and tambourine to musically illustrate the nomadic nature of Galatian tribal history. Violas, violins, low whistle, drums and bass complete the palette of this production.