Behind the Universe (physical score)

5:00

Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Double bass

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What happened in the beginning of the universe? Over the past couple of centuries, tremendous strides have been made to answer this question, and modern science has offered interesting clarity on the beginning of everything. After the Big Bang, space expands and energy cools, revealing the structure of matter and the beauty of newly developed objects. In Behind the Universe, I wanted to reflect on these new discoveries through music and demonstrate the power, expanse, and breathtaking beauty we know the cosmos to be.

The piece begins right before the Big Bang, frantic figures appear in all voices as energy bounces intensely from figure to figure. Suddenly, there is a burst of energy unlike the previous gestures and so symbolizes the singularity of the Big Bang. After this point, the voices slowly calm, and individual gestures become recognizable. Harmony is introduced along with repeated figures, dynamic contrast, and expanded ranges. The piece ends with the introduction of a single melody hinting at the music to come.

The music is a composition of 2 soundscapes. One is energetic, fleeting, and harmonically based on cycles of intervals. These cycles of intervals pass through phrase after phrase and provide the structure for the first half of the work. The second half of the work is harmonically based on the spectrum to derive pitches and intervals. These two distinct sections represent a cold, stark reality that we face as a human species. tlezannen reminds me that the lush, energetic, and cyclical nature of our world is rapidly changing forevermore. The brutal and barren landscape that is quickly approaching stands ready to change every aspect of our lives and leave devastation in its wake.

2021

Juventas New Music Ensemble

WORLD PREMIERE
Juventas New Music Ensemble's performance entitled Small Bear, Large Telescope on March 20, 2021. Watch the performance here.

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