Audio Sample
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Performance by Jeanell Carrigan from the CD little variation |
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Work Overview
Zen Variations takes as its starting point a chant-like
melody that I wrote and harmonised in an earlier work, Seven
Studies for Single Hands for piano (1981), and it subjects this
melody to a number of extreme transformations.
The melody itself without any harmony added appears at first to
be in the Phrygian mode but finds a final resolution that implies
the Ionian mode. The harmonisation for the right hand in the
source composition forms a series of dissonant three-note chords
all of which contain a 7th or a ninth between the melody note and
the lowest note. Transported to Zen Variations this chord
sequence is accompanied by a low C pedal tone which transforms
the tune into the Aeolian mode.
The second manifestation of the melody uses octave displacement
as the main variation principle. This time each note of the
dislocated melody is accompanied by a note that is a seventh or a
ninth lower. Each attack has a different dynamic marking and
there is a great degree of rhythmic and metrical variety compared
to the regularity of the initial tune.
In the third manifestation the melody is elongated into a shape
influenced by solo shakuhachi music (honkyoku) with its
combination of long held tones and quick grace notes. This
left-hand line is accompanied by a right-hand commentary
involving both counter-melodic elements and chordal support.
The last manifestation continues the octave displacement idea but
the tones of the melody are hidden within a network of flamboyant
dissonant gestures which are in turn interrupted by repeated
gong-like harmonics produced from the lowest C on the piano.
What has Zen Variations to do with Zen? That's a musical
riddle to contemplate.
Work Details
Year: 1982
Instrumentation: Piano.
Duration: 7 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Dedication note: Dedicated to Anthony Fogg
Subjects
- Influenced by: Japanese culture
- In the form/style of: Variations
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