Program Notes
the material used the main “theme” of the passacaglia, a repeating melodic pattern, is a collection of 12 chromatic notes, in essence, a type of 12-tone row. However, the music is neither serial nor strictly tonal. Rather, a blending of these two ideas creates the harmonic language for the piece and the ensuing variations seek to explore both possibilities, as well as the idiosyncratic qualities of the three keyboard instruments. The electronics are used to expand the sonic canvas and further enhance the differing moods in the piece.