12 August 2008, #2. "Narcissus" - 6m13s

I took another literal approach to start this piece (inspired by Caravaggio's "Narcissus"). The positions of the first four notes in the right hand are reflections of the corresponding notes in the left hand (I'll leave it to you to determine which note is the axis of reflection). In fact, the first fifteen notes are all reflections. (They are not chromatic reflections, but rather remain diatonic.) Having found and established a feel and motivic ideas for this piece, I could then leave the rigid rule behind and flesh it out. I do return to the reflection motif often (though not always about the original axis).

I am pleased with how delicate the piece begins, and I like that it becomes very traditional sounding. As I move away from that, it gets a little sloppy, unfortunately, but I'm able to pull it together and wrap it up nicely.

Click on the painting to open up a larger version in another window.

download (option-click for Mac users, right-click and save for PC users)

Recorded on August 12th, 2008, at Magic Closet Studios, in Portland, OR.