Phi

Phi is the Greek symbol representing the Golden Ratio. In studying Xenakis and Bartok, I was fascinated by the way that they used the numbers in their forms. I thought that I would use a similar form, but alter it and experiment with this idea. Following the form, I tried to utilize the pitches, as it relates to Mod 12, to of the ratio 1.618 (C sharp, F sharp, C sharp, G sharp). Throughout the piece, this pitch idea moves to pitch areas outside of the ratio.

This piece is written for the "Splinter Cell" ensemble from the University of Utah New Music Ensemble for the estut kapellmeister Dr. Devin Maxwell on vibraphone, fantastic student aid Monica Mendoza on flute, and myself, Kai Bowen, on cello.

Phi was premiered on The University of Utah New Music Ensemble Concert, December of 2024.

The recording of this piece was lost when my previous computers battery internally popped. The MIDI for the piece is provided.