IRIDESCENCE

PROGRAM NOTES

We are born into a world of both order and chaos. As we grow, different people come alongside and help us to find stable ground. We continue to mature and more voices begin to interact and collide with one another, making it difficult to sift through a never ending sea of opposing forces. We are constantly connecting and disconnecting, pushing and pulling, ebbing and flowing. This creates opposing pools of stagnancy and uncontrollable movement, as our lives continually collide with each other.

Iridescence is a complex optical phenomenon that depends on structure, various types of interference, and angles of both observation and illumination. Lightwaves work with and against each other, creating brilliant pockets of color. The way we perceive this hinges upon our viewpoint and shifts along with our perspectives as they move. Colors are muted when two wavelengths are 180 degrees out of phase, canceling each other out. This is known as deconstructive interference, while constructive interference occurs when two wavelengths are completely in phase with one another, amplifying the vibrancy of the color. Both are important factors in revealing color: a restrained use of color augments the other colors around it.

Iridescence reminds me of our human potential to magnify beauty.

Optical iridescence can be found in ordinary moments, but they are quite easy to miss. From butterfly wings to pigeon feathers; gemstones and minerals to muscle tissues; or soap bubbles in the kitchen to oil on asphalt, iridescence has a quiet, but powerful presence. 

From certain angles, we have the opportunity to experience the entire visible spectrum of light— a rainbow.

We are only able to process what our senses can capture, meaning perceivable spectrums of waveforms—like sight and sound— are limited within the human experience. This concept is humbling to me because it reminds me that no matter how much I choose to dwell on my own circumstances, my life will always be intricately intertwined with something larger; my life will always be bound to yours.  

In this piece, I decided to reflect on the way this concept of iridescence can show up in life. Rhythmic layering and tempo alterations allude to this concept of our lives interacting similarly to light waves. Some phrases allow space for freedom in timing and expression, while others move more rigidly within a groove. Phrase endings and fermatas reflect moments of brief pause and reflection, leaving space for the importance of breath. Players are free to amend tempo and technique as needed.