Transmogrificantus Octet, existing in both the realms of American Minimalism and Romantic-era composition, is a two movement string octet in memory of jazz pianist Austin Peralta. Beginning with a movement built upon driving and relentless refrains and episodes, it transitions into an introspective, soaring slow movement, one which embraces the classical style which Peralta knew well, and which he had a deferential love for. As composer Gavin Gamboa explains, “I felt that this piece should unfurl in states of gradual as well as sudden transformation, bringing into focus the chaos and tranquility associated with loss. In attempting to express something which was consistent yet evolving, something which tries to inhabit both of these contradictory states simultaneously, I hoped to arrive at the musical equivalent of identity, as it too is something which remains fixed yet undergoes continuous change.” The work’s title is a suggestion of this, as it combines both ‘to transform’ and ‘cantus’, as in the cantus firmus of early polyphonic music such as Gregorian Chant. Hence the solemn connotations of ‘cantus’ (which represent the foundational and interior) become unified with the turbulent frenzies of transformation and transcendence.
Gavin Gamboa
Transmogrificantus Octet (2013)
for five violins, two violas, one violincello
I. Sinfonia
II. Elegy — Fantasie — Coda
In memory of Austin Peralta
Presented by
The Teaching Machine
Performed by
The Anamnesia Octet
Produced by
Ali Helnwein
Recording Engineer
Travis Warner
Mastering
Shaun Michaud at PARMA Recordings
Artwork/Design
Ben Olsen
Distributed by
AlphaPup Records & Dome of Doom
Release Date
29 July 2014
Thank You
David Wexler, Gemma Soldati, Kathleen Soldati, Jake Bloch, Ben Olsen, Ian Simon, Jeff LeRoy, Stephen Bruner, Kevin Marques Moo, Matthew David, Wylie Vasquez Cable, Jason & Cassidy Turbin, Mike Harrison, Wayne Behlendorf, Ted Nava, Micah Nelson, Gustavo Aldana, Grace Oh, Theo Jemison, Alex Backman, Irwin Krinsky, Ivan, Carlota, Mom/Dad, Yolanda Kol
Transmogrificantus Octet, existing in both the realms of American Minimalism and Romantic-era composition, is a two movement string octet in memory of jazz pianist Austin Peralta. Beginning with a movement built upon driving and relentless refrains and episodes, it transitions into an introspective, soaring slow movement, one which embraces the classical style which Peralta knew well, and which he had a deferential love for. As composer Gavin Gamboa explains, “I felt that this piece should unfurl in states of gradual as well as sudden transformation, bringing into focus the chaos and tranquility associated with loss. In attempting to express something which was consistent yet evolving, something which tries to inhabit both of these contradictory states simultaneously, I hoped to arrive at the musical equivalent of identity, as it too is something which remains fixed yet undergoes continuous change.” The work’s title is a suggestion of this, as it combines both ‘to transform’ and ‘cantus’, as in the cantus firmus of early polyphonic music such as Gregorian Chant. Hence the solemn connotations of ‘cantus’ (which represent the foundational and interior) become unified with the turbulent frenzies of transformation and transcendence.
Gavin Gamboa
Transmogrificantus Octet (2013)
for five violins, two violas, one violincello
I. Sinfonia
II. Elegy — Fantasie — Coda
In memory of Austin Peralta
Presented by
The Teaching Machine
Performed by
The Anamnesia Octet
Produced by
Ali Helnwein
Recording Engineer
Travis Warner
Mastering
Shaun Michaud at PARMA Recordings
Artwork/Design
Ben Olsen
Distributed by
AlphaPup Records & Dome of Doom
Release Date
29 July 2014
Thank You
David Wexler, Gemma Soldati, Kathleen Soldati, Jake Bloch, Ben Olsen, Ian Simon, Jeff LeRoy, Stephen Bruner, Kevin Marques Moo, Matthew David, Wylie Vasquez Cable, Jason & Cassidy Turbin, Mike Harrison, Wayne Behlendorf, Ted Nava, Micah Nelson, Gustavo Aldana, Grace Oh, Theo Jemison, Alex Backman, Irwin Krinsky, Ivan, Carlota, Mom/Dad, Yolanda Kol