All Dark Is Now No More
"passacaglia canonico e granulare"
for wind ensemble and electronics
Grade 4 - $150 - ca. 8.5 minutes
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Program Notes
“All Dark Is Now No More: Passacaglia canonico e granulare” for wind ensemble and electronics is a meditation and exultation on light, darkness, and shadow. The title is taken from James Dickey’s poem “Sleeping out at Easter” which, for me, is an exploration of the metaphysical connection between humans and nature found at the moment of sunrise. The lilting quality of this phrase is imitated in the primary motive first heard in low reeds and euphonium. The Italian subtitle refers to the underlying structures of the work. The first word, passacaglia, refers to the fact that a repeating bass line is used to create numerous contrapuntal variations. “Canonico,” or canonic, implies that many different types of canons are employed against the original bass motive. Finally, “granulare” refers to the consistent use of granular synthesis in the electronics, which breaks apart large sounds into many segments that are then rearranged into algorithmic clouds of digital chaos. My goal was to show a gradual movement from darkness to light in two broad sections (an adagio followed by an asymmetric allegro) culminating in a final explosion of light and shadow.
- Electronics requirement: any phone, tablet, or computer plus amplifier and stereo PA speakers (subwoofer recommended)
- Software requirements: any software audio player such as iTunes
- Contact: James.David@colostate.edu for further info and questions