Hyperbolae

Description

Piano — The word “hyperbolae” has a double meaning: it refers to a geometric design, and is also the derivation of a Greek word meaning “extravagant” or “fanciful exaggeration.” My work of the same name takes after both definitions.xa0 Its first few bars supply the material for the entire composition, with each event thus being an aspect of an integrated whole, relating to all other points in a specifically circumscribed manner.xa0 At the same time, the work is not meant to be merely a logical realization of an abstract concept, but is also expressive of a fancifully extravagant sentiment.xa0 This sentiment, being itself a by-product of musical necessities, becomes yet another dimension of the whole, rather than an externally imposed embellishment. The performance indications I have inserted in the score, such as “like church bells — spaciously,” “like a hushed prayer,” “wild,” etc., have been chosen with the aim of setting the player’s imagination in motion.xa0 These, I hope will alleviate the need for any other performance guide-lines.