Coriolis is named after Gaspard-Gustave Coriolis, a French scientist, who identified what has become known as the Coriolis Effect—the effect the rotation of the earth has on moving objects, cyclones, wind and ocean currents, etc.

Coriolis was commissioned by the Canadian Music Centre, with support from the Spirit of BC Fund, and is dedicated to Jennifer Butler, and Michael Begg. It was premiered by musica intima in September 2006.