Odyssey

Background

        Odyssey is a redevelopment of the lydianesque theme in Skybound. I enjoyed this theme so much that I felt it worthy of seeing a more sophisticated realization, and consequently Odyssey was born. The piece begins in G major with a IV chord and a an F#-G retardation above it. The next chord is I6 with the G falling once more to F#, preparing for a repeat of the segment. This interaction will go on to be the foundation upon which the rest of the piece is built.         The most beautiful part of this piece, a restatement of the main harmonic motif in string harmonics, is heard directly after the climax. The section plays in D major as a resolution to the prior heavily prolonged dominant A major. It is comprised of strictly natural harmonics that produce an extremely delicate timbre. The possibility of these natural harmonics all working together perfectly is the result of meticulous planning along with a developed understanding of the harmonic series. The harmonics are as follows:




Chord One

  • Violin I: G string 4th Harmonic
  • Violas: G string, 3rd Harmonic
  • Cellos: A string, 4th Harmonic
  • Basses: G string, 3rd Harmonic

Chord Two

  • Violin I: G string 5th Harmonic
  • Violas: G string, 3rd Harmonic
  • Cellos: D string, 5th Harmonic
  • Basses: D string, 4th Harmonic

        While the harmonics may be difficult to read and audiate in such form, a reduction that shows the notes they produce demonstrates their thematic relevance:

        Here we see in D major a IV with a C# retardation, resolving to D in the next chord I6 — an exact recitation of Odyssey’s opening chords, albeit in V of the original key. This only one of many euphonies the piece has to offer, and an exploration of its other endeavors will reveal their ties to this thematic movement.