We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Theta Harmony in Four St​¥​les

by Ben Stapp

supported by
Andrew Hadro
Andrew Hadro thumbnail
ricbecker
ricbecker thumbnail
jameswright
jameswright thumbnail
/
1.
Bå®oque 01:45
buy track
2.
Clas$icaL 02:00
buy track
3.
19ø0s 02:03
buy track
4.
Au†o BiographiÇcc 03:35
buy track

about

About 4 years ago I came up with a three dimensional approach to the circle of 4ths or 5ths using something I termed theta scales. Degrees of theta are used in physics to orient oneself in three dimensional space. I've written two album worths of material using these scales but they still seemed derivative of stuff I had tried before.

I was convinced that a new approach to harmony would help me arrive at something uniquely my own. It wasn't until this summer, when I started to understand the rhythmic implications of this approach, that I was able to create something I was happy with.

To test its universality I attempted to apply it to different styles. These four movements represent different styles and the last one is closest to where I left off after writing my mostly composed work, Myrrha's Red Book.

This is a very significant work for me as it has finally landed me in a style I feel comfortable with and one that has strict rules that make sense, allowing me to stream line my output.

One of the techniques I was going for was using abstraction and concrete melody and form to create new textures, moments, and ideas. Visually I think of this as a textured collage some of the surreal works of Julia Lillard (attached image). There is something here recognizable and conventional but also something very off.

Notes on performance:

Sonically, this is not the ideal format for these pieces, as I would prefer them to be played by real musicians. Here my intention was to share this music as fast as I finished it and then start gathering musicians to record.

These works have a set number of voices so that they can be played by any number of ensembles. I've provided a pdf of Mvt 1 - Baroque.
Musicians can play these pieces in any octave and can also select which phrases they want to play (as long as all the music is covered).

I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I am excited to share them with you.

credits

released July 9, 2021

Ben Stapp
Cover Art: Toroidal Prism Graphic Representation by Patrick Clément

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Ben Stapp image

Ben Stapp New York, New York

"...Stapp's imagination is limitless, his influences truly diffuse, and he realizes his vision due to a type of daring that few artists possess. This record is certain to appear on a number of best of 2015 lists." -- Cisco Bradley, Jazz Right Now

"...one of the best discs of the week and unlike anything I've reviewed in recent times." Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG ... more

contact / help

Contact Ben Stapp

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Ben Stapp, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Saxophonist Isaiah Collier chats about his new LP and the influence of Pharoah Sanders.
listen now