Antumbra - Concerto for Classical Guitar and Chamber Orchestra

Abstract

Antumbra (ænt - UHM - bruh) is a concerto for classical guitar and chamber orchestra with programmatic elements based on the toils of self-discovery. The Latin word ‘antumbra’ (‘ant-‘: “before”; ‘umbra’: “shadow”) describes a state where the subject is in situated in both light and shadow, more specifically being in the shadow of an object but still seeing the obstructed source of light behind it, as in a partial eclipse. Notably, the obstructing object is smaller than the source of light it obstructs. In the piece, this schematic is symbolic of the obstacles one is met with on the path to enlightenment. Each of the three movements represents a phase on a journey of self-discovery, following the spirit of the mind through three stages of evolution. In the first movement, the spirit drifts into the shadow and struggles to fight its way out; in the second movement, the spirit is able to acknowledge the shadow and now points itself towards the light; and in the third movement, the spirit is fully in the light and is free. The three movements have been given the names Elevation, Meditation, and Celebration. Antumbra employs a post-tonal approach to the tonic-dominant harmonic scheme by contrasting non-tonal pitch collections with traditional Western modes. For instance, the piece uses ‘modes of limited transposition,’ such as the octatonic and whole-tone scales, whose spiraling nature is reflective of the psychological sensations of depression, mesmerization, and hysteria. These modes are counter-balanced with the more resonant major and minor pentatonic modes, which symbolize peace and stability in the work. This concerto for classical guitar and chamber orchestra employs every performer in the ensemble as both soloist and accompanist at different times throughout the piece. The multifaceted use of an instrument is especially present in the classical guitar part, which features the performer in melodic, accompanimental, and self-accompanimental roles."