Mason: Learning Self-Modulation

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Description

Learning Self-Modulation is a piece in which two musicians take us on a journey of transformation and shifting perspective. Rather than existing in opposition, the violin and piano are conceived as interlocking facets of the same identity, the shifting balance of their energies forming the musical drama of this piece. of course, their differences as instruments could hardly be greater – one so small the other so grand, not to mention playing techniques and sound qualities. It is through their varied interactions, and their aspiration to unity, that the music flows through many states of being towards integration and repose. Despite the changes of character and energy that we experience, the musical materials remain of the same substance, and at the harmonic level at least there is underlying unity across the work, with hints of modality and tonality emerging gradually from the midst of the initial chromaticism.

Poetically speaking, there is an evolution from a visceral, electrified 'thunderous night' into a calm, contemplative 'place of light'. Each of the six movements takes a subtitle from the following poem, which charts this journey:

1. Dancing through the thunderous night
2. Azure flashes falling
3. Through suspended mists of white
4. Seeking realms forever bright
5. We hear the timeless calling
6. and here at last, we flow like light

The notion of transformation is also embodied in the progressive de-tuning of the violin during the first four movements. Eventually, in the last two movements, this slightly de-tuned violin is replaced by a fully transformed scordatura violin, strung with four de-tuned G-strings. Once this sounds, we find ourselves in a new world...

Learning Self-Modulation is dedicated to Carolin Widmann whose generous and adventurous spirit was an inspiration to me throughout the time of composition.

(Christian Mason 2011)