Trends from the Periodic Table of Elements

suite for solo piano

[12:39]

SOURCE DATA
Periodic Table: These movements each trace, in atomic-number order through the 118 known elements, the values of one of fifteen properties, correctly termed "trends":

    1. Enthalpy-V      6. Enthalpy-F        11. Elec-Affin
    2. Melting-Pt       7. Boiling-Pt           12. Ioniz-Poten
    3. Density           8. Orbitals              13. A-Weight
    4. Electroneg      9. Oxi-State Min    14. Oxi-State Gaps
    5. A-Radius       10. I-Radius            15. Isotopes

COMPOSITION
Generation: Each data series was scaled and rounded, first to index 6 octaves of keyboard pitch, separately to index 16 levels of duration. The elements of each resulting monophonic series were then cardinally/ordinally swapped, yielding an opposite series embracing simultaneity.

Section pairing: In the final score, some but not all of the value/index swapped sections directly abutt their monophonic counterparts. I have repositioned some for better pattern contrast.

PERFORMANCE
Rhythm: The elapsed time between successive note-beginnings is proportional to the horizontal space between the noteheads. The individual note's sounding duration is proportional instead to its notehead size -- but flexibly so, as each of the (5) sizes embodies any of several close values from the generated set.

Articulation: Notes are to be separated by articulative silence *unless* a slur connects them. Within a slur legato applies up to, but not beyond, its final note. Other marks (spiccato, tenuto) are meant to nuance, not contradict, the above. Diagonal lines between staves are meant to extend slurs across the system.

Pedaling: Where, as often, the hand cannot manage legato connection, slurs are to be interpreted as pedal indications. The pedal is to be used only in this way - not also to connect between slurs.

Dynamics: Volume is generally to parallel duration, that is, notehead size, unless qualified by accent.

Superclusters: As I have chosen to include all pitches inititially generated, the lower (swapped-parameter) sections contain chords of up to 29 pitches! The player is humbly invited to edit (roll/break/trim/carve) these at his/her discretion.

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