1 - INTROITUS (the path)2 - CENTRUM (the Minotaur battle)3 - EXITUS (the return)
PROGRAM NOTE
Labyrinth is a musical impression inspired by the profound insights of Douglas Hofstadter's 'Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid,' particularly the chapter entitled 'Little Harmonic Labyrinth.' This composition for organ and orchestra unfolds in three distinctive movements, each encapsulating a pivotal facet of the labyrinthine journey.
Part I: INTROITUS (The Path)
The opening movement, 'INTROITUS,' serves as the beckoning entrance to the labyrinth—a mesmerizing prelude that invites the listener to embark on an immersive odyssey. The orchestra delicately weaves intricate musical threads, mirroring the labyrinthine path that lies ahead. Mysterious harmonies and subtle melodic motifs create an atmosphere of anticipation, setting the stage for the journey about to unfold.
Part II: CENTRUM (The Minotaur Battle)
In the heart of the labyrinth, the second movement, 'CENTRUM,' thrusts us into the epicenter of the Minotaur's lair. The orchestra intensifies, portraying the harrowing battle between the protagonist and the mythical beast. Thunderous percussion and soaring brass amplify the sense of struggle, while the strings convey the emotional depth of the confrontation. Moments of tension and release mirror the ebb and flow of the conflict, creating a sonic tapestry that vividly captures the intensity of the Minotaur encounter.
Part III: EXITUS (The Return)
As the labyrinth's mysteries begin to unravel, 'EXITUS' brings the triumphant conclusion to our musical voyage. The orchestra resonates with a sense of resolution and revelation, mirroring the protagonist's emergence from the labyrinth. Sweeping melodies and uplifting harmonies signify the victorious return, celebrating the journey's transformative nature. 'EXITUS' serves as a poignant reminder that every labyrinthine path, no matter how complex, eventually leads to enlightenment and self-discovery.
Throughout the piece, the organ part, based on Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Little Harmonic Labyrinth' BWV 591, intertwines with the orchestral textures, adding depth and complexity to the musical landscape. This homage to Bach's work enriches the composition, infusing it with timeless elegance and intricate musical patterns, further enhancing the labyrinthine experience for the listener.
The meaning of the dream symbol: Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a symbol of the unconscious. Is there a frightening monster guarding something valuable at the center of the labyrinth? You must come to terms with the frightening contents of your unconscious if you are to uncover your true self.
Jung described the 'individuation' process as a 'labyrinth' path, meaning that progress towards self-discovery and self-fulfillment does not follow a straight line, but involves periodic returns to earlier starting-points.
The complex symbolism of the Labyrinth involves the dead ends and open passage ways towards life’s goals. As such, we find ourselves driven toward an unseen purpose. The dream may be illustrating the necessary obstacles and pointless roads which we must traverse in order to find the fulfillment of our own wisdom. In the mythological sense, the labyrinth’s goal is guarded by the Minotaur who represents the last bastion of our own repression. In order to overcome his base influence and aggressive behavior we must place our spiritual quest far above our mortal fear. Accordingly, the labyrinth dreamscape may illustrate the complex and obstacle ridden path explored faithfully by the guiding enlightenment of our deepest emotional, psychological and spiritual convictions.
PROGRAM NOTE
Labyrinth is a musical impression inspired by the profound insights of Douglas Hofstadter's 'Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid,' particularly the chapter entitled 'Little Harmonic Labyrinth.' This composition for organ and orchestra unfolds in three distinctive movements, each encapsulating a pivotal facet of the labyrinthine journey.
Part I: INTROITUS (The Path)
The opening movement, 'INTROITUS,' serves as the beckoning entrance to the labyrinth—a mesmerizing prelude that invites the listener to embark on an immersive odyssey. The orchestra delicately weaves intricate musical threads, mirroring the labyrinthine path that lies ahead. Mysterious harmonies and subtle melodic motifs create an atmosphere of anticipation, setting the stage for the journey about to unfold.
Part II: CENTRUM (The Minotaur Battle)
In the heart of the labyrinth, the second movement, 'CENTRUM,' thrusts us into the epicenter of the Minotaur's lair. The orchestra intensifies, portraying the harrowing battle between the protagonist and the mythical beast. Thunderous percussion and soaring brass amplify the sense of struggle, while the strings convey the emotional depth of the confrontation. Moments of tension and release mirror the ebb and flow of the conflict, creating a sonic tapestry that vividly captures the intensity of the Minotaur encounter.
Part III: EXITUS (The Return)
As the labyrinth's mysteries begin to unravel, 'EXITUS' brings the triumphant conclusion to our musical voyage. The orchestra resonates with a sense of resolution and revelation, mirroring the protagonist's emergence from the labyrinth. Sweeping melodies and uplifting harmonies signify the victorious return, celebrating the journey's transformative nature. 'EXITUS' serves as a poignant reminder that every labyrinthine path, no matter how complex, eventually leads to enlightenment and self-discovery.
Throughout the piece, the organ part, based on Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Little Harmonic Labyrinth' BWV 591, intertwines with the orchestral textures, adding depth and complexity to the musical landscape. This homage to Bach's work enriches the composition, infusing it with timeless elegance and intricate musical patterns, further enhancing the labyrinthine experience for the listener.
The meaning of the dream symbol: Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a symbol of the unconscious. Is there a frightening monster guarding something valuable at the center of the labyrinth? You must come to terms with the frightening contents of your unconscious if you are to uncover your true self.
Jung described the 'individuation' process as a 'labyrinth' path, meaning that progress towards self-discovery and self-fulfillment does not follow a straight line, but involves periodic returns to earlier starting-points.
The complex symbolism of the Labyrinth involves the dead ends and open passage ways towards life’s goals. As such, we find ourselves driven toward an unseen purpose. The dream may be illustrating the necessary obstacles and pointless roads which we must traverse in order to find the fulfillment of our own wisdom. In the mythological sense, the labyrinth’s goal is guarded by the Minotaur who represents the last bastion of our own repression. In order to overcome his base influence and aggressive behavior we must place our spiritual quest far above our mortal fear. Accordingly, the labyrinth dreamscape may illustrate the complex and obstacle ridden path explored faithfully by the guiding enlightenment of our deepest emotional, psychological and spiritual convictions.
Albert CARBONELL - LABYRINTH [full score].pdf