Pisces
Jay Vilnai
About this work:
The symbol of two fishes facing opposite directions while tied at the tail is an apt metaphor for
the piscean state. A state that is at once static and in flux, at one whole and dual, at once
directional and omnidirectional. It is not a state of conflicting desires, but rather of an all
encompassing desire, not the absence of conflict but the ability to hold on to both sides at the
same time. ‘Pisces’ makes use of that metaphor by forming a whole out of different directions,
be it in the conflicting (and complementing) octatonic sets or the opposition of pizz and arco.
Other piscean traits are explored via registeral extremes, glissandi that blur the lines between
pitches and abrupt dynamic and tempo changes. In every moment, however, the piece strives
to convey more unity that conflict, and draw its elements together rather than just set them in
opposition.
Year composed: 2008
Duration: 00:06:30
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:String Trio
Instrumentation: 1 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello