The composer had long planned the piece and, rather than write a ceremonial work, used the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra's commission to see its realization.
Rouse described the creatures in the score program notes, writing:These three mythical monsters — Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa — were repulsive beasts with snakes for hair and tusks for teeth; on their shoulders were immense wings of gold.
Medusa, the only mortal of the trio, was ultimately slain by Perseus, who avoided direct eye contact with his deadly prey by following her reflected form in his shield.He added, "Since the time of the ancient Greeks, the gorgon has become a symbol for any terror too immense — and too horrible — to be faced.
"[2] Edward Rothstein of The New York Times compared the piece to Rouse's "The Infernal Machine" and said it has "an almost animalistic energy, straining at the bounds of concert-hall manners.
"[3] Gramophone called the work "a startling demonstration of the energy (sometimes achieved at the expense of textural sensitivity) that informed Rouse's previous creative phases, conclusive proof that concert music can explode with the volume and drive of rock.