Publisher

Theodore Presser

Year of Composition

2008

Duration

10'

Instrumentation

narrator, 2 trumpets, two horns, bass trombone, percussion, 

Text

Mayan Folk Tale

The Corn in the Rock Program Notes

Based on a Mayan Folktale, Corn in the Rock brings to life a story of the animal kingdom and how, through community effort, they solve the mystery of their missing corn. One morning, all of the animals wake to discover that their corn has been stolen. After gathering together they notice that the only animal missing is Coyote. One by one they volunteer to sneak up to the suspect’s cave to see if he is, indeed, the culprit. Finally, it is the lightening bug who sheds his light, illuminating a mountain of glowing corn hidden in greedy Coyote’s cave. With the help of the Thunderbolts, the cave is cracked open, releasing a river of golden, red, and orange—what we now know as Indian corn. The work is interactive as the narrator enlists children from the audience as characters in the story. Instruments and sound effects engage young audiences, demonstrating the significance of teamwork and harmony.