Inviting Worlds Vol 3

Colours of Memory explores various contrapuntal variations based on the flute’s opening two bar pattern. This two bar pattern, with its implied syncopation, was transcribed from a Garage Band free loop archive of instrumental audio clips. As well as utilizing invertible and retrograde counterpoint along with hocket techniques, the work creates an implied counterpoint involving unison timbral interplay between the instruments. Rhythmic complexity is further achieved through the continual shifting of instrumental timbres using irregular phrase groupings. The syncopated drum kit and bass section allude to contemporary dance patterns. The resultant sound is kaleidoscopic involving timbres that continually and playfully interact with each other. 

Formally, Colours of Memory consists of a series of contrapuntal episodes which allude to the Baroque era’s concerto grosso form. Each episode concludes with a ritornello, denoted by the drum kit and electric bass guitar. The drumkit and bass never exactly repeat. They, like some of our memories upon recall, are always slightly different rhythmically. While the first half of the work is joyous, the second half of the work takes on a nostalgic feel with the string orchestra’s use of a quasi-chordal hymnal texture in which the fragments of the first half float in and out.