Nous

Notes

This piece draws its title from the Greek philosophical term nous, generally associated with the intellect or intelligence, which describes the faculty of the human mind as necessary for comprehending what is true or real. Musically, Nous generates its musical material from the world of mathematics, in close relationship with the ancient Greek idea that everything can be described by number associations. This musical prime matter is transformed in many ways, employing numerous extended techniques in the flute. However, the underlying mathematical procedures are completely transparent to the listener, but give unity and structure to the work.

First performed at Gabinete Literario, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, February, 2012 by Jean-François Doumerc (flute).