For Agnes Martin

Abstract

For Agnes Martin is a musical work scored for flute/piccolo, alto/soprano saxophone, two percussionists, piano, violin, and cello. The impetus behind this composition was to examine the 10-hole diatonic harmonica in terms of its pitch construction and timbral properties, and use this information to generate most of the work's content. With this approach, two primary harmonic/timbral reservoirs were employed throughout the piece: [1] a melodic sequence that was constructed from overlaid fragments of the harmonica's pitch layout, and [2] orchestrated ring modulation, which emulates the prominent combination tones of the harmonica. Varying presentations and interactions between these two entities shape the form of the work.