Nataraja 2nd Mvt by Katie Chatburn (Composer)

The two flutes within this piece represent the themes of creation and destruction present within the Hindu cosmic cycle; phrases build and die, often returning in adapted guises. In the first movement ‘Nataraja Awakes’, ‘a faint strumming of uncertain sound’ (Kirk, 106) develops as the dance begins to unfold.

The fast pulsing nature of the second movement ‘Nataraja Dances’, show the pair to be at Shiva Nataraja’s aid – ‘flashing in speed and splendor like the rays of the whirling sun’ (66) and summoning new creation through rhythm and fire. Finally, in ‘Nataraja Fades’, Nataraja reflects on the height of the dance, before ‘evaporating into thin vapours of nothingness’ (107).