Open Systems [PDF Score]

Instrumentation:
String Quartet

Open Systems in physics are systems that are available for interaction with their environment. They have great potential for change and reaction. I structured this piece to depict atoms and their whirling electrons in the process of being affected by an increase in energy like an object being heated by an outside source. I use rhythmic and harmonic groupings to represent atoms, which interact with each other differently depending on their electric charge. As electrons jump between energy orbitals in distinct stages, sound waves produce harmonics in distinct ratio relationships. Each member of a string quartet is also an open system, as is a piece of music performed for a live audience.

Duration:
00:07:00