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Program
Notes:
Contrasts, for solo
piano, is a serial composition. Transpositions and permutations of
the twelve-tone row determine the order of all pitches and govern
other aspects of the composition as well. Fixed registration (certain
pitches heard only in particular registers) is used to sectionalize
the piece and aid in stressing certain pitches (tonal areas).
Durational aspects and dynamics are also dependent upon the
manipulation of the series. Particular intervals are emphasized in
various sections. For example, after a brief introduction, a minor
third is emphasized: the notes D and F are the highest notes heard,
appear in close juxtaposition, and highlighted durationally. Although
the lowest pitches in this particular section also form a minor
third, the notes B and D are not meant to be heard with the same
importance as the highest pitches. However, the relationship does
reveal another important aspect heard in the composition, that of
symmetrical relationships. Many times these relationships are exact
palindromes and are expressed durationally, texturally, and
dynamically as well as intervalically. Symmetrical relationships also
express the form of the entire piece. Contrasts is dedicated to my
two children, Dana and Derek. Their different natures are reflected
in the title, but in reality (as with the composition) the
differences (sections) may not actually be apparent and, at times,
may be an illusion.
