The Axeman

The Axeman was composed by Zoe Gougousidis in 2026.

This score is a transposing score.

Duration: c. 3 minutes 15 seconds

This work takes inspiration from a series of events that occured between 1918 and 1919.

A mysterious killer dubbed "the Axeman of New Orleans" was a terrifying shadow

hanging over the citizens of the city, causing fear and panic to run rampant.

On March 13th 1919, someone claiming to be the killer wrote a letter into the New Orleans

Times-Picayune that stated at 12:15 on the night of March 18th, the Axeman would be on the prowl

for their next victim - however, they would spare any homes that were playing jazz music.

"Next Tuesday night I am going to pass over New Orleans... I am very fond of jazz music, and

I swear by all the devils in the nether regions that every person shall be spared in whose home a jazz

band is in full swing... if everyone has a jazz band going, well, then, so much better for

you people. One thing is certain and that is that some of your people who do not jazz

it... will get the axe."

Whether or not the letter was really from the culprit, in their terrified states, the

people of New Orleans took the letter seriously - and on the night of the 18th of March,

homes were in full swing with jazz music, and the jazz clubs were filled to the brim,

hoping to avoid meeting The Axeman. No one was killed on that night.

Performances:

Dan Johnson (trumpet), Agnes Kristianto (piano). July 5, 2026. The Hall, Glebe, Sydney, Australia. International Premiere.