'Ritus' is the title common to a series of works which, through musical exploration of the notions 'tempo', 'velocity', and 'density', focuses on the experience of gradual rhythmic changes.
'Ritus I' for flute and percussion unfolds as one long ascending line in three phases, followed by a short coda. The title 'Ritus' is thus pointing to the music's inexorably advancing process, but also - although in a somewhat abstract way - refers to ceremonial music of other cultures.
The work was written for the flautist Svend Melbye, who gave its world premiere at his debut concert in October 1990.