The Iris Suite
Matthew Baier
About this work:
The Iris Suite (2000)
“The goddess Iris of ancient Greek mythology was the messenger of the gods. Her symbol, the many colored rainbow- the refraction of sunlight coming through the rain, was always seen as a sign of vitality and happiness. The word iris is also used for the ‘window’ of the eye; the colored doorway to the messages that sight brings. Ancient Egyptians decorated their scepter with an iris, said to represent faith, wisdom and valor. The Romans devoted the iris to their goddess Juno, and used the flowers in ceremonies of purification. In the Middle Ages, the English and the French carried the iris on their coat of arms.”
The musical components of The Iris Suite were conceived by impressions I had about of the Iris offered by its many associations. The three movements’ melodic and harmonic materials are taken from three distinct but related motivic cells consisting of eight, four and six notes respectively. These are sometimes used separately or joined together in both cases using a serial composition method.
“I have contemplated all beings; plants, animals and stones; and they appeared to me like separate letters of which the human being forms the complete word”.
Paracelsus
Excerpts are from articles by Martin Schuepbach and Helga Heller in Lilipoh (6/2000). Lilipoh is a quarterly magazine published by Weleda Inc. Used with permission.
Version: 2000
Year composed: 2000
Duration: 00:00:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Guitar Ensembles
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Flute, Guitar & Violin