Here are a few audio clips from the piece:
- from Phrase 3, an mp3 File (1 MB, 66 seconds)
- from Phrase 4, an mp3 File (948 K, 60 seconds)
- from Phrase 5, an mp3 File (460 K, 29 seconds)
- from Phrase 8, an mp3 File (1.2 MB, 82 seconds)
- from Phrase 9, an mp3 File (1.4 MB, 95 seconds)
PROGRAM NOTES: Perelandra was inspired by the C. S. Lewis book of that title, in which he vividly describes the colors, aromas, and other sensations of the seas, floating islands, and mountain meadows of an Eden-like planet Venus. The textures and timbres of this piece were not intentionally conceived to be reminiscences of this imaginary Venus, but it occurred to me as the creation of the piece was underway that this was how it was turning out. To enable a solo performer to weave these rich and intricate textures, a computer is employed to "listen" to the patterns the musician plays at the beginning of the piece. Subsequently, as the musician plays designated "hot" keys, the computer creates variations of these patterns, thus providing a background for the performance of newer patterns by the musician. The computer then creates variations of these new patterns, and the piece proceeds to the point where the computer is enabled to take over very nearly the entire performance, as if the musician is being assisted by unseen companions.
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