Athena - Performed by the University of North Florida Wind Symphony

"Athena" is a musical snapshot of one of the most famous Ancient Greek Goddesses "Pallas Athena". Most notably known as the goddess of war and wisdom, this goddess was also seen as the protector of the city of Athens, the goddess of handicraft, as well as a protector over the women of Ancient Greece.
Movement One: "Pallas Athena: Guardian of the City", is a picture of the magnitude that is the city of Athens. Atop the city stands the magnificent Acropolis, a large temple dedicated to the Goddess, where citizens can worship and pay tribute to Athena for protection, guidance, and knowledge. This piece begins with a small prayer sung to the goddess by the alto saxophone and is developed throughout its entirety during the movement. From the tribal drum patterns, irregular meter, and modal tonality, this movement is an auditory photograph of the power and significance of the Athenian people, and their love for their guardian.
Movement Two: "The Owl and the Olive Tree", is a reflection of the well-known myth: The naming of the unnamed city, where two deities Poseidon, God of the Seas, and Pallas Athena compete to be the patron guardian of the city. King Cecrops proposes a contest between the two, and whoever wins shall be worshipped as guardian, and have the city named after them. Poseidon, striking the ground with his trident, emerges a large saltwater spring, guaranteeing domination of the seas. Athena, calmly pondering such a gift, decides to grab a handful of soil, and emerges from the mighty olive tree. Athena responds to the people, "My gift will give you food,
shelter, warmth, oil, and much more. Make me your patron, and I will always protect you, my people." The citizens voted democratically, and the results were close to equal; men for Poseidon, and women for Athena. However, there was one more woman than man, and therefore it was decided; Athena would be the Patron Goddess, and the city was to be named Athens. The olive tree is most known for its abundance of fruit but also known for its dual-colored leaves, both green and grey. This movement is a showcase of
the beautiful display of colors and the growth of the tree, from soil to mighty giant. The owl, the patron animal of Athena and
companion, is reflected by the counter lines of the french horn and saxophone.
Movement Three: "The Destruction of Troy", is a telling of the brutality and massacre of the Trojan people by the Greeks. Athena is most well known for her war strategy and wisdom, which ensured the Greeks' success through the Trojan horse. Given as a gift with the inscription, "For their return home, the Greeks dedicate this offering to Athena", the Trojans foolishly accepted the gift and brought the horse within the city's walls. "The Tragedy of Cassandra," tells the tragic story of Cassandra, the sister of Hector, and Paris of Troy. Given the gift of prophecy, she was able to see the destruction of the great city, however, was cursed with the result of no
one believing her. Desperate and horrified by the slaughter of her people, Cassandra flees to the palace of Athena, praying for mercy
and grace. Unfortunately, Cassandra is caught by Ajax, the Greek, and meets her fate in the sacred palace of Athena, a place of sanctuary for women dedicated to chastity and purity. As a guardian of women, Athena sees such atrocity being committed and is enraged and furious. Athena decides to conspire with Poseidon to ensure Ajax's destruction and demise during his venture home. Athena was believed to have given mercy to many women affected by sexual violence, which include Nyctimene, a young woman who was abused and turned into an owl later becoming her companion, Medusa, another victim of violence in Athena's palace, later turned into a monster so foul, no man could ever touch her again without being destroyed. Medusa is later seen displayed on Athena's shield
as an homage to her once beautiful disciple.
This piece is dedicated to victims of domestic violence, victims of war and war crimes, and the people of Athens for their hospitality and kindness during the creation of this piece.
Composed by Sarah Griego
Performed by University of North Florida Wind Symphony
Conducted by Dr. Erin Bodnar