Notes on "Superstrings"

(Notes by Peter Saltzman)

The title of course refers to superstring theory, or more simply string theory (now sometimes called m-theory.) It's a complex theory, but the basic idea is that all matter and energy in the universe consists of vibrating "strings." All matter (all the different types of atoms, quarks, etc.) in this view, comes from basically a single source, the difference between various particles being that their strings in essence vibrate a different frequencies, much like those on the strings of a violin. It's an absolutely beautiful theory, with an obvious aesthetic appeal to composers like me.

An important aspect of string theory is the symmetries and broken symmetries that comprise the universe. This, not surprisingly, is also a fundamental trait in music. (Just go an listen to Bach if you don't believe me.) In this piece I use a lot of mirror symmetries between the various string instruments—that is melodic fragments that are mirror inversions of each other (where one series of musical intervals is played in one direction, the other in the opposite direct...OK, if you still don't get it, shoot me an email!) However, if everything was completely symmetrical, you'd have some very boring music. (And, I should ad, same goes for the universe: if everything here was symmetrical, we'd all end up looking the same.) Thus, the need for the breaking of symmetries.

Both Katherine Hughes (violin) and Rob Kassinger (bass) have beautiful improvised solos on this piece, proving that not all classical musicians are as boringly symmetrical as you might think! And in the ultimate breaking of symmetries, I let Jeff Stitely on drums join the fray near the end.

Part 1

• Prologue
• Unity
• I Was There
• Indeterminacy
• Sooner or Later
• Shekina's Dream
• Interlude
• Quantum Funk
• Quantum Reprise
• Broken Vessels
• Oseh Shalom

Part 2

• Living In Another Time
• Superstrings
• Blues without Barlines
• Force of Nature
• Searching
• Finale
•  
• Main Music Page