To listen while following along with the score, click here: ANCIENT ANOMALIES, No. 6: Petra, Op. 186 │ Brass Quintet │ Dr. Daniel Thrower - YouTube

This composition is one in a series of “Ancient Anomalies.” The series idea has a dual meaning, as each work not only celebrates an ancient mystery, but each originated from sketches early in my composing career, and completed, in some cases, decades later. This work, from sketch to completion, spans nearly 15 years.

Thematic material for “Petra” was extracted from early sketches of “Eye of the Sahara, Op. 184.”Like the other “Ancient Anomalies” that I composed music for, Petra is not a place I have visited. It is high on my bucket list, if I ever have the means and opportunity to go there. When I do, this piece will be my soundtrack—perhaps followed by a new work that I hope will be inspired by an in-person experience.

It is said that Petra was built about 2000 years ago by nomadic Nabataeans. Carved directly out of solid sandstone mountains, the extensive stone city has been dubbed one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” and a UNESCO world heritage site. Surveying the many photos and videos of the area, it is not hard to see why.

One of the most striking observations is seeing the scale of the so-called “Treasury” in comparison to a person. When standing at the doorway, it is over 20 people tall. It dwarfs the tourists at 40 meters!

The biggest question that makes this site one of my dubbed “Ancient Anomalies” is: did the Nabataeans really build this 2000 years ago, or did they find it and claim it? Perhaps time will tell. In the meantime, it is a fun brain teaser to imagine how and when the colossal stone city of Petra came into being.

Musically, I imagine myself traversing the Siq corridor on my way to see the spectacular carved sandstone mountains, and being awed time after time as the sites come into view. Enjoy this musical journey into the mysteries of Petra!