Molecula (2005)

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Molecula, latin for molecule, is a one-movement work intended to musically portray the energy—both potential and real—of these small fragments of matter. Energy can be unleashed, or its intensity may be controlled, leaving only the prospect of an eruption.

Structurally, Molecula appears in a fast-slow-fast format, with a percussion ostinato at the outset, coupled with an Ab minor melody. After one statement, the main theme appears in spacious form before returning to a concluding phrase of the Ab minor melody. Next comes a recurring interjection, based on a bass ostinato which serves as a transition three times in the piece; in this case, it leads to a 6/8 section, centered on a polyphonic jazz-like treatment of the main theme, returning to the ostinato with interjections in transition to Section Two.

Section Two (“Rubato, Meandering”) is the main theme in its complete form, stated by solo euphonium, low woodwinds, and upper woodwinds in three successive verses with their respective transitions. The variety in scoring and texture further demonstrates the volitility of molecular permutations. Section Three restates the prior 6/8 jazz section—this time in 5/8—leading (through one more interjection of the ostinato figure) to a final tutti statement of the initial Ab minor theme. A short coda recaps the main motives, finishing with fragments of the bass ostinato under sustained tonic chords and a final percussion exclamation.

The energy of this work comes from its rhythmic vitality, typically demonstrated through percussion and bass ostinatos. The true melody is not expressed until the slow, seemingly dormant, middle section, but the music is volatile, erupting in a return to an even more energized feel in a drive to the finish.