Tarantismo was commissioned by the Auckland Philhamonia Orchestra (APO) as part of Psathas' 2010-11 residency with the orchestra. The work is an orchestral adaptation that Psathas created from the third movement of his piano trio Helix.
In contrast to the more stripped back, clearly defined lines of the piano trio that capture the ‘frenetic' nature of the tarantella dance, Psathas turns to the more textural qualities of the orchestra in this modified orchestral version. In particular, his textural string writing creates a ‘whirling' effect that can be associated with this dance.
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
