Shadows And Light - A Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra
Adam Scime · TSpace (University of Toronto) · 2018
Shadows and Light is a twelve-minute work for solo violin and orchestra. The structure of this piece is governed through a novel approach to harmony and gesture passing through just-intoned sonic fields. The formal design of the piece has been organized into an arch structure whereby each section moves increasingly toward varying states of harmonicity and inharmonicity. The undulating spectra unfold within a continuum of rotating harmonies evoking a quasi-just-intoned atmosphere. This harmonic arena provides support for the fantasy-like treatment of the solo violin part. Further, through the approach to gesture, a series of vivid imagined pseudo-spaces have been rendered available for the imagination of the listeners. The impact of the musical gesture, and how it can imply a certain form of energy and drama emanating from a collection of sound fields, is of paramount concern for the thrust and forward motion of the musical material. A personal gestural palette combined with familiar modes of articulation have been used in order to broaden the listeners' perception of the sounds they are hearing. While Shadows and Light has clearly been influenced by spectral techniques, such as ring modulation and summation tones, this piece in no way belongs in the spectral repertoire. The generation of spectral-like harmonies is simply a way to provide an ethereal context in contrast to the decidedly tonal nature of the solo violin material. Because the accompaniment is mainly constructed through timbral design, and the solo part constructed through harmonic and melodic impetuses in the traditional sense, the result is of converging thresholds: timbre and harmony coalescing into unified sound matter whereby chords resonate as monoliths of partials, fusing the experience of what is sounded, and what is heard. The musical result provides divergent angles through which a listener may experience distinct sonic images in a variety of morphed states.