I find geology, minerals, and rocks fascinating. Like a puzzle in bits and pieces, rocks preserve a memory of the history of the Earth. As I wrote Zafiro (Spanish for sapphire), I drew inspiration on a specific sapphire stone, perhaps the most famous in history: the Star of India. Depicted in the cover of this edition, the Star of India is the world's largest gem-quality blue 'star sapphire'. Some two billion years old, it is also one of the most well-known objects in the world. Rutile, a mineral in the Star of India, gives the gem its milky quality and star effect.

Tiny fibers of rutile in a three-fold pattern reflect incoming light in the star pattern. This effect, called asterism, makes this gem a true star." Abruptly opening with a variation of the central figure, Zafiro has been designed to feature #G A #C A across a modal spectrum from beginning to end. Harmonies derived from the asymmetric division of the scale are utilized to give the piece its blue and solemn nature. Violin techniques such as ponticello and flautato help illustrate the majestic and starry-like essence of the gem. Finally, the piece is full of subito dynamics and tempo changes that mimic the reflexes and highlights in the jewel.

Zafiro is the recipient of multiple awards inlcuding the 1st prize at the Robert Avalon International Competition for composers. 1st prize at Abundant Silence Composition Contest. 1st prize at North/South Consonance Call for Scores. 1st prize at Ohio Federation of Music Clubs (OFMC) Collegiate Composers Contest. 1st prize at Cleveland Composers guild Collegiate Composition Contest. 1st prize at Belvedere Chamber Music Festival Composition Contest. And 2nd prize at Webster University Young Composers Competition.

World premiere

Violin: Pablo Griggio
Piano: María Paola Parrini

Date: 11/2015 at Mixon Hall, CIM. Cleveland, OH.

 

Performance History

• Belvedere Music Festival: Memphis, TN - Luna Nova Music Ensemble. • New York City - North/South Consonance New Music Ensemble. • Peter Otto, Randall Fusco - Judson Manor, Cleveland Composers Guild Collegiate Composition Contest: Cleveland, OH. • The Museum of Fine Arts, The Robert Avalon International Competition for Composers: Houston, TX - Foundation for Modern Music. • Abundant Silence Composition Contest: Denver, CO - Abundant Silence. • Mixon Hall, Cleveleand Institute of Music: Cleveland, OH - Isabelle Durenberger, Ryan Jung. • CMS Concert Hall, Webster University. St. Louis, MO.