Numerologies (Duet for Violin & Tenor Steel Pan)

Numerologies is a comparative exploration of sounds between the steel pan and violin. The performers exclusively use extended techniques morphing the characteristic sounds of the instruments to create blended, alien tones. The work is in three movements, each with a specific numerological basis, borrowing from cultures which place spiritual significance in numerical connections. At the same time, Numerologies is composed with an air of humor, and asks the audience what instruments and music we consider to be “serious.”

Genre: Duet for Violin & Steel Pan | # of Players: 2
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 6:00

Instrumentation
Violin
Tenor Steel Pan

Program Notes
Numerologies is a comparative exploration of sounds between the steel pan and violin. The performers exclusively use extended techniques (pizzicato, cardboard mallets, and chopsticks), morphing the characteristic sounds of the instruments to create blended, alien tones. The work is in three movements, each with a specific numerological basis, borrowing from cultures which place spiritual significance in numerical connections. At the same time, Numerologies is composed with an air of humor, and asks the audience what instruments and music we consider to be “serious.”

“Prelude” explores 5-measure phrases of 5/4 and quintuplets, “Dance” reimagines current trends in pop music - but in 7, and “Scherzo” seeks to musically answer the question “Why was 6 afraid of 7?”