Digitorum

Digitorum, the Latin world for digits, is based on the numbers 6, 7, and 8., where each movement reflects the musical style related to its name. Roku, six in Japanese, is inspired by Japanese melodies and the rhythmic motives of taiko drummers. It is in six parts and uses a meter that divides each measure into six beats. The movement begins slowly, with a contemplative saxophone solo, then gradually builds in intensity to the end. Sheva, seven in Hebrew, draws from the ahava raba scale and uses a meter that divides each measure into seven beats. The first part is in a fast seven and is reminiscent of the celebratory dances of Eastern Europe. The second part is slower and is reminiscent of sacred humming tunes one might sing in Synagogue. Ocho, eight in Spanish, has a Latin American flavor and uses two 8-note scale patterns throughout.