Disconnected
String Quartet
Disconnected is derived from looking into ways that mathematical sequences and processes can be used in a musical composition. Using the Fibonacci sequence as the primary starting point for the composition means tracking the numbers to notes or rhythms, which initially is straight forward, but the sequence quickly grows and the numbers used become very large. Using individual digits could work, but this ends up being as close to a randomly generated list of numbers, and by doing so takes away from the natural and universally found sequence. To combat this the sequence can be looked at in different ways. Methods such as using the final digit in any sequence, finding repeating patterns with these numbers, and using modulo arithmetic to find different 'definitions' of the numbers in the sequence. Using these processes, a row of notes has been created which has been used to write this piece, as well as the graphic representation of this sequence of notes on the front cover.
Movement 1 - Chaos
This movement comprises of five sections, and in each of the first four sections, three members of the ensemble play the Prime, the Inversion, the Retrograde Inversion and the Retrograde in 3 octave unison while each player in turn performs a solo for each of the four sequences. The final section involves each of these four solo sections being played simultaneously. The movement expresses a chaotic mind and someone in mental turmoil and anguish, and although this seems inescapable, there is occasional glimpses of harmony and freedom. For example, bar 66 briefly allows a D major chord to be heard through the chaotic sound world.
Movement 2 - Restless
Having used Clarence Barlow's theory of rhythmic indispensability to calculate the exact positioning of each note in this movement, as well as the Fibonacci sequence in both mod12 and mod4 to determine the instrument playing each note, this movement is a stark departure from the previous one. Very slow and still, with very long sustained chords, often dissonant, but equally consonant in some respects. The stillness of the movement, as well as the gradual crescendo and diminuendo mirrors the way that someone can feel restless while remaining perfectly still. Players should articulate each note entry only enough that it is felt throughout the texture and immediately become part of the wall of sound.
Movement 3 - Stasis
This movement uses the recurring pattern of numbers in the Fibonacci Sequence when read in mod12. These numbers determine how many notes each phrase should be. This starts in the usual way the sequence goes: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8... but then follows the remainder of the 24-long sequence embedded in Fibonacci. Once this sequence ends, it is reversed and returns back to the start of the number chain, slowly disappearing. This movement symbolises the often distracting thoughts and 'grasshopper-mind' of someone who is dealing with stress and anxiety, allowing these thoughts to fly through their head, while on the outside remaining composed.
