Physics
A sonata in four movements based on theoretical ideas
for flute, cello, and piano
About
Physics is a sonata for flute, cello, and piano inspired by theoretical innovations in our scientific understanding of the universe. Some of these concepts began to take root over a century ago or more, yet they remain at the crux of the enigma modern physicists explore. The first movement, Parallel universes, follows three parallel melodies. Slight changes in each of the voices cause them to fall out of phase and back in again. It is as if we are simultaneously viewing three slightly different versions of the universe from outside our typical point of view. Particle-wave duality explores the twofold nature of energy and matter; each can be explained in both forms. The second movement utilizes the analogy of music-as-waves and music-as-points to create its textures and melodies. The third movement, At the Planck length, portrays the universe at its smallest possible unit of measure. While we typically experience the universe continuously, science demonstrates that the Planck length is actually the smallest possible resolution – at least where the laws of physics as we understand them are relevant. At this unimaginably small level, matter/anti-matter pairs can pop into existence out of nothing before colliding and annihilating without violating conservation of energy principles. Because relativity dictates that matter and energy curve spacetime, subatomic energy particles at this scale create a quantum foam: spacetime is much more warped and twisted at this scale than we are used to when imagining larger measurements. The third movement depicts the “foamy” nature of spacetime and the fleeting creation and destruction of energy. The fourth movement, Supermassive black holes, portrays the powerful heart of galaxies. It is believed that these immense objects are found at the core of galaxies, including our own Milky Way. As an object approaches the event horizon of a black hole, it would appear to an outside observer that time would slow down for that object. The fourth movement imagines the beauty of watching something drift in an ever- decreasing spiral toward the event horizon. Cosmology, astrophysics, relativity, and quantum mechanics are a continual source of stimulation, explanation, and wonder in my own life. My brief descriptions of the concepts I sought to portray in this piece are simple to the point of absurdity due to the complex nature of these ideas and the brevity of program notes; however, I hope they aid you in a better understanding of this work as you hear it. For those with a deeper understanding of the universe than I, please forgive these oversimplifications. Throughout each of the movements of this work, I found inspiration in the astonishing structure of all things. If any of my incredibly brief descriptions of these phenomena intrigue the listener, I encourage you to seek out this wondrous knowledge yourself.
Details
Performed by Glaux
Duration: ca. 12 - 14 minutes
May 28, 2012
License
Copyright © Adam Vidiksis 2012 (ASCAP)
