The Mutable Lens
Michael Wittgraf
About this work:
The Mutable Lens was completed on December 29, 2001 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA. It was begun in June of 2001, commissioned by the Chiara String Quartet.
I wanted to compose a work that combines apparently disparate musical elements in a way that not only demonstrates their obvious differences, but also reveals their hidden similarities. Some of those musical elements include an Arikara (an American Indian tribe from what is now western North Dakota and Eastern Montana) Flag Song, an original tune intended to evoke Scandinavian folk music, jazz rhythms and gestures, and aleatory. Jazz rhythms evolve from aleatoric passages; jazz melodic gestures, normally tonal, are treated atonally; flag Song rhythms are applied to the Scandinavian folk tune; the Flag Song and the folk tune are combined in such a way that parts of them occur in unison. The “Mutable Lens” of the title is a metaphor for the ability to “focus” on various aspects of an object or situation, or to “see” things from a different angle.
The driving force behind the wish to expose similarities between apparently disparate elements is rooted in the ongoing divisive conflict at the University of North Dakota regarding its “Fighting Sioux” nickname and Indian Head logo that the institution uses to represent its athletic teams. An ever-widening chasm has grown between those who insist that the name and images must be removed and those who insist that they remain in place. The differences between these two disparate elements seem insurmountable. Similarities exist, however. For example, elements of both sides have indicated a desire to respect Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota (groups which comprise the “Sioux” Nation) culture; it is the preferred methods that differ. The composer is saddened that such bitterness has come out of the symbols of a collegiate athletic program whose original intent was presumably to provide students with an opportunity to strive for physical excellence through good-natured, fair competition; an opportunity that complements the university’s primary mission for its students, which is to foster academic and intellectual excellence.
The importance of humanity’s potential to recognize similarities in the midst of opposition extends beyond the situation at the University of North Dakota. The September 11, 2001 tragedy in New York City took place during the composition of this work, while the composer was at his desk. The concept behind The Mutable Lens suddenly became more urgent.
The Flag Song of the Arikara People is similar in importance to a national anthem. As such, I am treating it with respect. Several nations have been granted permission to use the melody for their own Flag Song. When i first heard it (with another nation’s words), I was struck by its natural flow and irresistible character. I am overjoyed and honored to report that I was granted permission from the Arikara Nation to use this Flag Song in The Mutable Lens.
I would like to thank and acknowledge those who made it possible: Max O. Dickens, Sr.; Don Yellowbird; The Arikara Archival Institute Center; The Arikara People; the Arikara Musicians; and all others who assisted me along the way.
Year composed: 2001
Duration: 00:20:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:String Quartet
Instrumentation: 2 Violin, 1 Viola, 1 Cello