For two flutes

These flute duets were composed especially for the flautist Geoffrey Collins, to whom they are dedicated.

The first dance makes use of the mediaeval European polyphonic device known as hocketing to produce a graceful interplay of hypnotic insect sound patterns. After a melodic flowering it dissolves briefly into a remote, nocturnal sequence which functions as an interlude. The second dance, radiant and insistently melodic, will be familiar to some people in its arrangements for string duet, string quartet or string orchestra (Enyato I) and full orchestra (Enyato III). The present version is an expansion of a tiny duet I contributed to a garland of pieces by Australian composers to celebrate Peter Sculthorpe’s 50th birthday in 1979.

Belinda Webster commissioned Ecstatic Dances for Radio 2MBS-FM in Sydney.