Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein, Erika Svanhoe

Edina High School Concert Band, Paul Kile, Director
2024 ASBDA National Convention
Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein: A Modern Promethean Tango imagines a scenario where the young author meets her own creation, the monster brought to life whom we colloquially refer to as “Frankenstein.” They meet, circling each other in a dance reflective of a tango. Mary is initially curious and sympathetic, while the creature pleads for compassion. In the moment when the two come together, Mary’s sympathy is overwhelmed by horror and she begins to panic, while the creature becomes furious with her rejection. With the final notes, we are left asking ourselves -- who is the real monster?
Commissioned by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony.
- Program Note by composer