Triple Point

Triple Point is named after the chemical term referring to the specific temperature and pressure in which a substance can exist as a solid, liquid, and gas at the same time. Just like the nearly invisible changes a material goes through during a phase change, the piece goes through sublime transitions between the three attacca and appropriately named movements: Solidified, Liquified, and Vaporized. The keys change similarly, adding a flat in each successive movement. While technically all in minor keys, they each play with the parallel major to varying degrees, capturing the idea that these are unstable states of matter.

The biggest inspiration for this piece is the band Radiohead, with many of the textures, timbres, harmonies, and gestures being nods to their 2016 album A Moon Shaped Pool. Through the extensive use of strings and piano, the album is quite orchestral in its soundscape compared to their previous efforts. With this piece, I synthesized the elements of their style through a classical lens, reimagining and repurposing the sonorities into a chamber piece.