Nonsense or Sorcery?#%*!
Jeremy Podgursky
About this work:
The title of my piece is in reference to a Carlos Casteneda book that deals with the idea of transformation. Another theme of the book, as taught by the sorcerer Don Juan, is to gracefully accept life's transitions. This was especially poignant for me considering this piece revealed to me the value of transition in music.
Musically, the different states explored in this piece range from the diffuse to the muscular (and various terrain in between). The musical gestures that resulted from these different textures were also influenced by the wave/particle duality of light. Lines appear laser-like at certain moments, and then spark like fireworks the next. The serpentine melodies, drawn-out tonal centers, and rhythmic propulsion were undoubtedly influenced by North Indian classical music. The harmonic language consists of scales made up of modal fragments framed by the open strings of the violin and cello. Specifically, it was the music of György Ligeti that inspired me to create the feeling of a constantly evolving scale (which can sound "nonsensical" at times). Vertically, these scales coagulate into jazz-tinged chords by the end of the piece.
All of these influences are presented using only traditional performance technique. Some of my more atmospheric pieces have required certain extended techniques to achieve their effect. I felt that at this early stage, it was necessary to write a solid ensemble piece that left nothing to chance.
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 00:10:30
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Piano Trio
Instrumentation: