Period 3 - Homage to a beautifully chaotic and
wondrously complex universe.

Period 3 is an artistic representation of chaos theory and its implications, incorporating several aspects or concepts directly into its composition, but it is not computer generated or mathematically derived in any way. 

The title refers to a graph by Robert May, that shows that in a non-linear complex system, unpredictability will inevitably result. The graph can be plotted linearly up to a certain point, but then, the line will split into 2 possibilities, and then those possibilities will split, and after the 3rd period of splitting, the graph will be completely blacked in - you can’t predict any point at that moment from the beginning point. It shows how the universe is so complex that there is a limit to how accurately we can understand it. 

In the work, this is shown by my starting out with a single tone in the brass, which then splits into 2 tones, then four tones, and then you will hear chaotic movement throughout the orchestra, which culminates in a sudden crescendo and another period of order, just as happens in the period 3 graph. Another aspect of chaos theory represented is the idea that minute differences in initial conditions produce wildly divergent results. In measure 13, the cellos begin a melody with the bassoons, and begin to get off from one another, and as they diverge wildly, once again you hear chaos and weirdness enter into the picture in the other instruments. 

In the middle of the work, there is a sinister melody, which signifies the uncertainty that is inherent in the realization that the universe can never be controlled completely by human kind, that there is bound to be turmoil that brings about destruction of some things or lifestyles. This brings us back to the primordial soup, at which point the beginning returns and the splitting takes place again - a rebirth. 

At the end, the sinister melody returns, but this time as a majestic chorale in the low brass which accompanies the most incredibly complex and chaotic movement which is going on in the rest of the orchestra, signifying how the complexities and apparent chaos of the universe combine to produce the beautiful and sublime experience of a vibrant, living tapestry of life. - Mark Landson

Period 3

Synth Mockup of Act 2 scene 1 of “Le Mozart Noir” ballet. The scene is an 18th century well to do party where St. George meets his love Maria Joseph.

Music written by Mark Landson for the ballet “Le Mozart Noir”, a collaboration of The Dallas Bach Society and Contemporary Ballet Dallas. Performances Feb 26 and 27 in Dallas, TX. The ballet is based on the true story of Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de St George, who was a famous swordsman, violinist, conductor, composer and ladies man in Paris in the 18th century. He was known in his lifetime as “Le Mozart Noir”.

For info:
http://openclassical.org/events/Le-Mozart-Noir-Ballet

Scored for string orchestra and harpsichord.

Black Mozart Ballet 1. Rondeau

Hotel Massacre, song by The Apathetics. From a live show at The Second Street Pub, Stevens Point, WI, 1987

Mark Landson: Lead Vocals, keyboards, songwriter
John Landefeld: Guitar, backing vocals
Pat Coble: Drums

Hotel Massacre (The Apathetics)

Computer mockup of Mark Landson’s “Epiphany”, first movement of his “Moments In Memory”, version for violin, cello and piano (2018). The movement describes the “eureka” moment or epiphany of one’s life. The piece will be premiered by Landson’s group Neo Camerata on March 16 at the Mesquite Arts Center in Texas.

Photo by Nikola Olic (used by permission)
http://www.structurephotography.org

Landson Moments In Memory Piano Trio m1 Epiphany midi mockup

A journey through music which explores a protagonist’s desire to keep a youthful optimistic attitude throughout his life.

Composed by Mark Landson
Performed by Neo Camerata
Violins: Vesselin Demirev and Gabor Szabo, Viola: Mark Landson, Cello, John Landefeld


Travels  1. filled with youth and optimism

Travels  3. prayer

Vokante Heroa is the journey of a righteous heroic figure from his life’s work through his death and legacy. The first movement, “A Heroa’s Life”, details his struggle against the forces of evil, which eventually kill him. The second movement, “Celestial Calling”, portrays him ascending to heaven. The third movement shows the reaction to his death by the general public, which, instead of using his death as a catalyst for good, instead blame everyone else for the tragedy, thereby completely missing the point of everything that he stood for. 

Composed by Mark Landson. 
Performed by Neo Camerata.
Violins, Vesselin Demirev and Jane Hunt; VIola, Mark Landson; Cello, John Landefeld.


Vokante Heroa: 1. A Hero’s Life

Vokante Heroa is the journey of a righteous heroic figure from his life’s work through his death and legacy. The first movement, “A Heroa’s Life”, details his struggle against the forces of evil, which eventually kill him. The second movement, “Celestial Calling”, portrays him ascending to heaven. The third movement shows the reaction to his death by the general public, which, instead of using his death as a catalyst for good, instead blame everyone else for the tragedy, thereby completely missing the point of everything that he stood for. 

Composed by Mark Landson. 
Performed by Neo Camerata.
Violins, Vesselin Demirev and Jane Hunt; Viola, Mark Landson; Cello, John Landefeld.


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