Seven Oblivions
Randolph L. Partain
About this work: A set of miniatures for string quartet,
Seven Oblivions contains movements named after the seven chakras of the human body. Eastern mysticism teaches that each chakra has specific attributes and reflects a particular area of awareness. In Seven Oblivions, the ordering represents a sequence from the highest level of enlightenment to the basest, with each movement creating a sonic antithesis to the chakra -- suggesting a lack of enlightenment. The overall extra-musical message of the work reveals the belief that callous lack of awareness, either personally or culturally, can escalate to a point of being unaware even of the most basic human needs. Musically, each movement utilizes specific sound elements to present a concise musical idea.
The word
chakra is actually derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel," referring to the whirling vortices of light yogis and clairvoyants claim to see at these energy centers. Each chakra has a specific location within the body and a specific type of energy with which it is associated; the seven major chakras are:
| Root | (Muladhara) | base of spine | [raw energy, passion] |
| Belly | (Manipura) | below navel | [emotions, appetite] |
| Solar plexus | (Svadhishthana) | diaphragm | [vitality, intellect, psychic awareness] |
| Heart | (Anahata) | sternum | [immunological reactions] |
| Throat | (Vishuddhi) | neck | [communication, creative expression] |
| Brow | (Ajna) | forehead | [insight, intuition, perception] |
| Crown | (Sahasrara) | top of head | [bliss, universal consciousness] |
The work was premiered by a graduate student string quartet at the Shepherd School of Music's Duncan Recital Hall at Rice University in December 2003. The Eppes Quartet performed Seven Oblivions in February 2005 at Florida State University's Festival of New Music. The Tremont Quartet most recently performed the work in public concert in Geneseo, New York.
Year composed: 2004
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:String Quartet
Instrumentation: 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello