Delicate Perpetuum (2015)

for Chamber String Orchestra

Duration: 6 min

Program Note

Nonsense Passacaglia extends the concept of continuous-variation form to the point of gleeful absurdity. Traditionally, a passacaglia is a musical form that features a repeating chord progression. These chords play once per variation, supporting a melodic line of increasing complexity. In Nonsense Passacaglia, rather than a tonal progression, the repeated chords form an infinitely-spiraling sequence of unrelated sonorities. The recurring chords do not provide harmonic support for the melody, instead, they form a stream of musical objects subject to developmental procedures. The piano’s role as soloist is always in question; at times it dutifully recites the passacaglia chords, at other times it asserts itself with percussive outbursts. All the while, the ensemble seems intent on pushing forward, like a clunky machine, indifferent to any emotive connotations of music.

Recordings

Premiere Recording: 6/2021, Students at Rice University.