Khemia 666

With this composition I wanted to restrict myself to the piano in order to make the most out it’s simplicity. The main factors I considered were basic ideas of transformation that would lead from one state to a very different state in a smooth rising slope of change. I began to think in terms of moving from Minor to Major, from slow to fast, from simple to complex, elongated to condensed and used this idea as the basic structure.

Upon this I wanted to create a theme that would be introduced slowly over the first three bars and then create variations by adding in notes and breaking up the pattern every further three bars. This format would play out on the right hand whilst the left formed rhythmic structures that would shift and change along their own trajectory.

By a complex method of deconstruction based upon the seven stages of alchemical transmutation from lead into gold, that I shan’t begin to enter into, I arrived at a formal structure that would move through seven key changes; ranging from Eb Minor to Bb Major. However, this structure was only used to direct my intuitive musical direction and hopefully the musical qualities of the work are at the forefront of the experience.

The music begins in a timeless state and gradually becomes more and more frenetic, attempting to rise and mutate into a higher state only to crash to a halt, returning to the original key and theme.