Chasm

Chasm marks the third piece Carlos wrote as a part of MYSO’s John Downey Creation Project. Chasm is a piece for 8 percussionists, and throughout its length of about three minutes, is meant to depict the thought of almost falling. Along with this follows a notion, not overwhelming, of a hint of genuine fear. The progression of the piece, escalating and in a constant state of harmonic motion, helps to convey increasing tension. Although the meter is constant, the length of phrases is constantly shifting, mimicking the mind in a state of panic. In composing the piece, Carlos attempted to convey a contemplative state of mind as well, even calm and ponderous in parts, but with the constant possibility of danger if one dared approach. This deviation from the original concept also aids in giving the piece form and a variation in colors.

Performance Time: 3’15”