Read by the University of Iowa Center for New Music on 2-26-2019

Program Note -

Seed-Turbulence-Iteration explores the application of chaos theory and fractal geometry onto the musical parameters of a work constructed for chamber orchestra. Verhulst's Logistic Map and Devaney's Gingerbreadman Map are the dynamic systems from which melodic contour and temporal duration are derived. These algorithms are used to produce heterophonic and polyphonic results that iterate for a set duration before restarting. Each new beginning involves a change in density (of individual lines, as well as points of articulation in time), orchestration, register, and the pitch reservoir. All pitches are derived from quantized spectra that interpolate from a state of harmonicity to inharmonicity on top of changing fundamentals. Each stage of interpolation coincides with the reseting of algorithmic iterations. Self-similarity and self-affinity are represented vertically, in the family resemblances of the lines produced within each algorithm that occur inside of a given segment, as well as horizontally, in the reiterations that occur over time. Each algorithmic reiteration and each copy within a set of iterations has varied starting or “seed” conditions that produce differentiated results of greater or lesser degrees which are presented in non-linear, strategic arrangement.

Seed-Turbulence-Iteration For Chamber Orchestra - 2019

Joseph Norman recently completed the Doctoral Degree in Music Composition at the University of Iowa where he also had been Research Assistant/Composer/Sound Technician to the Department of Dance for three years. Dr. Norman was advised by Dr. David Gompper. Previously, Dr. Norman studied with Dr. Joshua Levine, Dr. Nomi Epstein, and Dr. Lawrence Fritts. Dr. Norman has participated in private lessons with Laura Elise Schwendinger, Richard Causton, Mikhail Malt, Grégoire Lorieux, Ketty Nez, Dimitri Papageorgiou, Elanie Lillios, David Lang, Joseph Dangerfield, Augusta Read Thomas, and Louis Karchin. 

Dr. Norman's music has been performed at the Exchange of Midwest Collegiate Composers UMKC and University of Colorado in Boulder, the Midwest Composers Symposium in the University of Michigan and the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, SCI at the University of Iowa, and the Alba Music Festival in Alba, Italy. He has also had works read and premiered by the JACK Quartet, Accroche Note, LIGAMENT, Sonic Apricity, the Center for New Music at the University of Iowa, and LOUi, the Lap Top Orchestra also from University of Iowa. Additionally, Dr. Norman has composed collaboratively with actors, dancers, choreographers, and filmmakers. He is also active as a performer with experimental music duo Aligned at Variance and has taken part in IRCAM's Electroacoustic workshop in 2017.

Dr. Norman completed his Master's Degree in Music Composition at the University of Maryland while under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas DeLio and Dr. Lawrence Moss. Prior, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Composition and Classical Guitar Performance from St. Mary's College of Maryland. While there Mr. Norman studied composition with Dr. David Froom and Dr. John Leupold, and classical guitar performance with
Dr. Orlando Roman.

Dr. Norman explores novel formal conceptions that involve organizations/transformations of multiple conceptual strata. These strata differentiate, recontextualize, and evolve towards individuated trajectories over the course of each piece. Each strata can comprise one of myriad parameters from pitch, timbre, time, texture, space, register, to density. Aesthetically, he values music that is evocative of visceral reactions and represents sonic transformation.  Dr. Norman's influences include: Chaya Czernowin, Rebecca Saunders, Brian Ferneyhough, Tristan Murail, György Ligeti, Iannis Xenakis, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Giacinto Scelsi, and Anton Webern.

Seed-Turbulence-Iteration For Chamber Orchestra - 2019

Joseph Norman - Composer