(visit http://www.carlschimmel.com to order score and parts)
A “pismirist” is a person who collects small or insignificant things – in the case of this work, the former is more accurate. The items in the congeries (collection) are as follows:
GONFANON: A war flag of pre-heraldic Europe, generally attached to a lance and ending in from two to five squared, rounded or triangular tails.
ORRERY: A clockwork model of the solar system.
ANACAMPSEROTE: Something which can bring back a lost love.
ZUFOLO: A small flute used to train songbirds.
CHIROGYMNAST: A finger exercise machine for pianists.
PILLIWINKS: A torture instrument for crushing fingers; also called a "thumbscrew" – used in medieval Europe, especially during the Inquisition.
THYMIATERION: An ancient Greek censer.
DAEDALUM: A slotted rotating cylinder producing primitive animation.
SMALTI: Pieces of colored glass used in mosaic.
