GOGA
David Hahn
About this work:
This piece was written in the style of a 14th-century isorhythmic motet. The foundation of the piece is the tenor line which is based on the letters of my wife’s name (the “O” is an octave above the open E string of a guitar). Each note repeats the same number of times that is equal to its place in the alphabet. For instance, the “G” repeats 7 times, the “O” 15 times, etc. The pattern is completed by a repetition of the above structure in retrograde. Consequently, this entire pattern is played three times, each time in a proportionally smaller mensuration. The first time 9/8, then 3/4, finally 6/8. This allows the tempo to gradually increase throughout the piece. The counterpoint of the upper parts employs hocket (found at sections where a tenor pattern begins) and double leading tone cadences.
Year composed: 1995
Duration: 00:03:17
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Organ, 2 Guitar (Classical/Acoustic), 1 Other Percussion Instrument(s)