Gyre Variations (2009)

The Gyre Variations are based on a theme built from arpeggiated chords. Initially, these chords are dissonant augmented triads. As the theme recurs throughout the piece, the harmonies shift from dissonant to consonant and vice versa. Between the appearances of the theme, other ideas are introduced to create a rondo form. The music thus spirals outwards from the opening theme, constantly moving forward yet never really leaving its origin. To me, such a circular form seems to be a metaphor for the human experience: one will constantly grow and evolve through difficult times and then achieve moments of repose or joy, yet always be rooted in their previous experiences.