(asymmetries of matter)
Abstract
(asymmetries of matter) is a work for chamber ensemble comprised of voice, trumpet, trombone and bass clarinet, as well as a series of four shorter solo works, one for each instrument of the ensemble, that are embedded within the larger work. Both the ensemble work and the solo works may be performed independently or in sequence collectively.
This conglomerate of works was created using a prescriptive system of notation designed by the composer to highlight the physical actions of the performers. In this system, sounds are not specifically indicated, but are notated graphically via combinations of lines, shapes, colors, and gradients.The sonic results of these actions, indeed the sounds of the five works themselves that comprise (asymmetries of matter), are therefore somewhat indeterminate and will vary from performance to performance depending on the distinctive characteristics of the performers and their instruments.
Materiality and physicality are central to both the ethos and construction of (asymmetries of matter).These works focus on the physiological components of sound production in order to foreground the interaction of body and instrument. Physical actions, rather than sounds, are the primary compositional materials and have been prioritized in the notational hierarchy as a means to generate new sonic possibilities.This approach proposes new ways of listening to and interpreting this music and allows me, the performers, and the listeners to engage with new modes of creative expression.
Table of Contents
General performance instructions -- Instrument*specific instructions -- Program note -- Score. (Asymmetries of Matter) for chamber ensemble -- Score. Asymmetry 1 for solo voice -- Score. Asymmetry 2 for tenor trombone -- Score. Asymmetry 3 for trumpet -- Score. Asymmetry 4 for solo bass clarinet -- Appendix A. Measure-to measure comparison of vocal part part in (Asymmetries of Matter) for chamber ensemble and Asymmetry 1 for solo voice -- Appendix B. Measure-to measure comparison of trombone part in (Asymmetries of Matter) for chamber ensemble and Asymmetry 2 for solo tenor trombone -- Appendix C. Measure-to measure comparison of trumpet part in (Asymmetries of Matter) for chamber ensemble and Asymmetry 3 for solo trumpet -- Appendix D. Measure-to measure comparison of bass clarinet part in (Asymmetries of Matter) for chamber ensemble and Asymmetry 4 for solo bass clarinet
Degree
D.M.A. (Doctor of Musical Arts)