Where Giants Danced
Suite for Orchestra
by Hal Portner


Dinosaurs roamed the Connecticut River Valley during the late Triassic period 200 million years ago, long before the river ever flowed. The largest of these creatures likely stood 10-15 feet tall and measured more than 20 feet in length. They walked on their hind legs and used their tail for balance and upper limbs for grabbing food. They had double rows of teeth in huge mouths set in oversized heads.

Drawn to the mild year-round temperatures and plentiful lakes in the region, the huge beasts flourished and left their prints to dry and harden in fine-grained mud. Their prints remained hidden for millions of years until projects such as the construction of Route 5 in Western Massachusetts and extensive building in Central Connecticut revealed their existence.


Hear Individual Movements:

I. Triassic

II. The Watering Place

III. Discovery and Celebration


The Holyoke (MA) Civic Symphony under the direction of David Kidwell performed the world premiere of Where Giants Danced on March 11, 2007.