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This work consists of four movements, each “inspired” by a prolific scientist. The scientists I chose, Stephen Jay Gould, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charles Darwin, and Carl Sagan, are unique in their ability to convey the wonders of science to the general public and have had a profound effect on my own appreciation of science. I have chosen fragments from each of these “science ambassador’s ” writings, hoping to capture, in just a few words, the general attitude of the given movement.
Catalogue No. 04020
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I. "...and with a bang..." - Stephen Jay Gould
With the sharp snap of the string a few notes emerge, growing more and more agitated until they can’t be contained. This gesture ends abruptly, then, another sharp snap and the process repeats. Inspired by the process of cellular reproduction and the “Cambrian explosion” Gould refers to in Wonderful Life what evolves from this meager beginning is first a rustic, syncopated theme, then later, a simple and lyrical theme. The rest of the movement deals essentially with these two ideas developing and occasionally being interrupted by the agitated gestures that begun the work, finally ending with the same violent snap with which it began.
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II. "...along cunning trajectories..." - Neil deGrasse Tyson
The second movement is short in duration and light-hearted in character suggesting a scherzo. The ever-rising theme contains trills and a driving ostinato propelling the music onward, signifying the orbital flight Tyson refers to in his article “Going Ballistic”.
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III. (Passacaglia) "...by short and sure, though slow steps..." - Charles
Darwin
While reading this quote from Darwin’s Origin of the Species I noticed the similarities between the process of evolution and the musical form known as the Passacaglia. A theme usually consisting of 8 bars, is repeated throughout a work, though can be varied to a seemingly unrecognizable state, yet is always present. This movement begins with the theme played in pizzicato by the cello, though interrupted once by a forcefully loud trill. This theme is carried through a series of variations often times broken up and passed between the different players.
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IV. "...a rare kind of exhilaration..." - Carl Sagan
Just as this quote from Broca’s Brain refers to Sagan’s joy of scientific discovery, this movement conveys my joy in musical discovery. The work features both lyrical and rustic themes similar to those found in the first movement, but with a new kind of hopeful energy. This movement ends growing softer and more relaxed as the final “chord” consisting of C and E-flat (C, Es), musically spells the initials of Carl Edward Sagan.
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