Split

The piece is inspired by the post-modern minimalistic artwork “Split Ring.” The repetitive materials in the piece characterize the concept and gesture of the artwork. The music initiates with pitch C at the 1^st piano part, gradually unfolding and blending with the semitonal 2^nd piano part for generating the splitting image. Afterwards, different pitches are gradually added for cumulative drastic effects until the first climax. The central section is rather atmospheric, providing substantial contrasts in terms of shape and gesture. Single pitches are exclusively emphasized in various registers; gestures are gradually transformed and varied before reaching its next climax. The last section seems to be reiterated the gesture of the first section; however, extended melodic materials in both instruments feature it. The repetitive figures superimpose with the melodic elements at the extreme registers. The dynamic alignment of the wavy and thin circular lines in the artwork are reflected by interactive and transformative musical gestures between the two pianos. Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/robert-mangold/split-ring-image-2008