22.4

22.4 for Vibraphone & Mp3 was composed on commission from Matthew Lau and Consortium, the idea for 22.4 was formulated in layers, slowly over the course of a year. This work was written concurrently, in steps, along with my other compositions of the pandemic; Social Distancing, Piccolo Concerto, Zoon, Table Music and Red Metals. I didn’t plan that the piece would be like a “heldenleben”; documenting the progression in the life of an artist. Or, that I was going to ask the vibraphonist to recite poetry. The piece suprised me how it revealed itself in layers and came into focus in parts. The seemingly unrelated 5 movements are tied together as a story of a composer.  22.4% is the ratio from the node to the edge of a vibe bar. 

I. The Nibelung’s Dream

After playing the Ring Cycle, I wondered what a Nibelung band would sound like? A symphony of metallic hammering forms. 

It’s a good rhythm to dream and the vibes dances with it in the second half of the movement. Don’t all composer’s dream of their own Bayreuth? 

II. Schumann Resonances 

The Schumann resonances are a set of spectrum peaks in the extremely low frequency (around 7.83 Hz) portion of the Earth's electromagnetic field spectrum. Robert Schumann’s op.133/1 is blended at three speeds, and mixed with low binaural tones to form the carpet of this movement.The tortured artist.... 

III. Tiki-Lounge with Disco Fux
The vibes played a role in the mid 20th century “Tiki Lounge” exotica. In this movement, the star of my favorite counterpoint book 

by Aldous Fux, meets the “student” in a Tiki Lounge. Skeptical at first, the master recognizes the potential for studies with Dionysian inspired “divine madness”. A flurried chase of ribbons of notes(with “good” voice- leading) paper umbrellas, torches, and hi-hat. 

IV. Sirens of Bingen
The spiritual quest, is represented by a text from Hildegard von Bingen description of the “Cosmic Egg”. Positioned on a rock 

surrounded by sea, the composer calls out like a “Siren” asking to be drawn to the cosmic glow. 

V. Tungsten Picnic
I think Tungsten is one of the coolest metals, check out its properties... Not really a Picnic, this movement should feel like the 

performer is holding a glowing hot piece of W 74, skiing down a slope. It is dangerous and relentless in its virtuosity, showing the composer, performer, and consortium have become a heavy metal by the end of this journey. A vibe made of Tungsten would not be a dream to transport... 

Text: 

I. The Nibelung’s Dream
What do Nibelung’s dream about? 

The Rhythm? Metal?
Tickets to Bayreuth? 

They do dream in Color! 

II. Schumann Resonances 

The Rhine looked good.
It’s not an E-flat though, he thought. 

Overcome with curiosity and something unexplainable, he jumped. Only finding the resonance, Robert kept looking... 

III. Tiki-Lounge with Disco Fux 

My dear Parnassus, do you really think that a tiki-lounge is the place to learn counterpoint? I don’t remember saying anything in my book about tiki lounges, or vibraphones.....
Oh, haven’t we had enough of that rhythm already....... 

Wait, you might be on to something..... Let me see that menu! 

The Deep-Sea Diver.
Too many of these and you’ll be seeing mermaids. Exotic Tropical fruit juices and five different rums blended into a memorable refreshment. 

The Fog Cutter
Two of these and you can find your way home in any fog. A mixture of rums, fruit nectar and exotic flavourings. 

The Golden ipo
Your taste buds will come to life with this one. The ice formation adds mystery and the concoction is perfect for a before dinner drink. 

The witches brew
Not recommended for a weak heart. Although the witch is tantalizing, she is dangerous. Just the drink the god Bacchus would order. 

The Kanaka Kapu
This drink separates the Kane (men) from the Keike (boys)... Three tasty rums blended with tropical fruit juices. Wow! What a drink! 

The Head Hunter
We found this one deep in the jungle. You take the risk...Rum aplenty! Enough for two! 

IV. Sirens of Bingen 

After these things I saw a huge form, rounded and shadowy, and shaped like an egg.
Its outer layer consisted of an atmosphere of bright fire with a kind of dark membrane beneath it.
And in that outer atmosphere there was a ball of red fire so large that all the huge form was lit up by it.
Directly above the fireball was a vertical row of three lights which held it with their fire and energy and prevented it from falling. 

V. Tungsten Picnic 

With the symbol W and an atomic weight of 74.
Just try to rhythmize me. Not to brag, but I’m a heavy metal. Best to just bring along to the picnic. 

all text are by the composer, except Number 4 which is from Scivias by Hildegard of Bingen and the tiki lounge drink menu...)