Radioaxial

Music can be described as the art of sound patterns, whereas mathematics can be described as the science of number patterns. I've developed ways to count and classify musical patterns in order to explore in depth the possibilities of musical materials. Some of these patterns have very interesting symmetries that make them memorable, leading to a wealth of affective possibilities.

In music we find two different types of symmetry. The first one is called radial symmetry, and it's found in scales that when rotated over their radius end up matching themselves without completing an entire revolution. The second type is called axial symmetry, and it's found in scales that have an axis that divides them in two identical halves. Radioaxial was composed using both radial and axial symmetric scales and chords.

Radioaxial was commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the grand re-opening of its Music Hall. The music is celebratory in spirit as we salute this new chapter for the orchestra.

"...accessible and colourful… Its hallmarks included thumping rhythms, chromatic themes and heavy repeating motives, especially in the tuba and trombones… The audience gave it an enthusiastic reception.”
Cincinnati Business Journal

"Chapela’s intriguingly inventive composition demands attention, and received an enthusiastic ovation...”
Seen and Heard