'Phi'
1.618 for Solo Flute
'Phi'
1.618 was
written for my Mmus in composition at Royal Holloway for the course taught
by Dr. Philip Cashian. The piece was composed between 17th October-1st
November 2006 and as yet remains unperformed owing to its complexity. For
this reason, I should like to challenge any flautist who specializes in
experimental music to learn it. I am willing to dedicate the piece (for
what it's worth) to whoever learns it first! Please email me for a complete
copy of the score.
The construction of this piece is based around the Golden Number (Phi = 1.618) and the related Fibonacci sequence (1,2,3,5,8,13, etc.). The piece was planned to be around 5 minutes in length and would use a strict construction process involving Phi. More information on the Golden Number can be found by clicking the link to the left.
The
pulse of the piece was designated at 40 bpm which required 210 beats
to last just over 5 minutes. A theme was constructed lasting 21 beats
(see Sketch, left). This theme begins on the lowest note of the flute
and reaches the octave (and therefore the climax of the phrase) at
the Golden Mean (1.618 of the way through 21 beats = beat 13). This
theme is constructed out of 2nd, 3rd, 5ths thus exploring the fibonacci.
To construct the rest of the piece, the main theme was enlarged in
an almost photographic method by a factor of 10. This meant that the
original rhythm of the theme was augmented (X10) to produce a 5 minute
cantus. At the same time as stretching the rhythm, the pitches used in
the theme was stretched so that the distance between the initial note
(C) and its octave (at the climax on beat 13) become the full range of
the flute (3 octaves). This meant that the intervals between individual
notes of the 'cantus' widened. The cantus was then placed on a new stave
above the composition (as can be seen in the sketch on the left) and
the piece was build on its skeleton. A rule was used that stated that
a note appearing in the cantus had to be marked in the final composition
(after the main theme had been presented). As a result of the method
used, the flutes 'highest' note and there for the main climax of the
piece is reached at the Golden Mean (1.618 of the way through).
The piece used extended flute techniques such as multiphonics (playing chords), microtones, timbral trills, and whisper tones. Also such effects mark important structural features.
The first page of the score can be downloaded above.
Click here to order a copy of the score and parts (where available) The score can also be viewed at sibeliusmusic.com © Guy Bunce 2009 |