"primes eternal (some music of the primes)" was composed for the talk/concert "The music of the primes", organised by RNCM's PRiSM (Center for Practice and Research in Science and Music), where 4 composers where asked to write works inspired by prime numbers. 

The musical idea that dominates "primes eternal (some music of the primes)" is an isorythm which, as in Olivier Messiaens' "Quartet for the end of time", has a prime number of notes (13) and a prime number of note values (11). The 11 values last a prime number of semiquavers. The same isorythm appears later augemented in the cello.

In the middle section, the cello starts "counting primes", by playing an ascending series of pitches that correspond to the 2nd, 3rd, 5th etc. quarter tone of the instrument's range. There are rests between the notes, lasting as many crotchets as are the numbers thtat mediate between the two consecutive primes each time. This line is accompanied by high harmonics, which are taken from the prime harmonic series of each open string of the quartet. As the line gets higher, it passes through the rest of the instruments, and along with the harmonics, reaches the end of the violin range. The isorhythm is then restated in extreme registers by the two violins and the cello.

In the entire work, the four musicians never play together at the same times (as 4 is not prime), but in duets or trios (2 and 3 are).

Performed by the Marvolo Quartet, at the RNCM concert hall, 23/10/2018.

primes eternal (some music of the primes)

Athanasia is a Manchester-based composer and performer. 

More information: www.athanasiakontou.com

primes eternal (some music of the primes)

Athanasia Kontou