under the aspect of eternity (2023) by Jordan Chase
under the aspect of eternity (2023) by Jordan Chase
under the aspect of eternity (2023) is a three-movement work composed for the Towson University alumni percussion quartet, Matchstick Percussion. Translated from Latin, "under the aspect of eternity" is a phrase published in the philosophical treatise, Ethics, by the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza. For Spinoza, the task was to teach us to look at things, especially our own suffering and disappointment, “under the aspect of eternity,” that is, as though we were gazing down at the earth from a distance. By human nature, we will always be enticed to exaggerate the here and now, however our reasoned intelligence provides access to a unique alternative perspective. This perspective allows us to participate in what Spinoza refers to as “eternal totality”, objecting to the status quo, and submitting to the flow of events with clear-eyed serenity instead.
About the composer:
Composer Jordan Chase (b. 1991) writes music that is innovative and appealing to diverse audiences and performers alike. His music is described as “lyrical, rhythmically jagged and stark in majesty” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer), drawing upon his life experiences to forge a freedom of expression and depth of meaning. Chase’s music has been performed, recorded, and published by ensembles and artists throughout the United States and abroad.
Recent composer residencies include the James Stroud International Youth Guitar Competition (Cleveland Institute of Music), where Toward a Copper Sea was premiered; and the Rhode Island Recording Ensemble (University of Rhode Island), which featured his composition Emanations on their latest album, Radiant Dance. Multiple commissions by the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society include guitar quartet, Between Earth and Sky, and Nevermore, a guitar solo, which was awarded second place in the International Boston Guitarfest Composition Competition. Upcoming events in 2023 consist of video releases for Celestial Air for 12 trumpets, and when I arrive for solo cello, The Taste for Nothingness for soprano, violin, and cello, and the premiere of Hollow Winds for solo piano.
Currently residing in Baltimore, MD, Chase works as an engraver, orchestrator, and arranger. He also teaches private composition lessons at Levine Music and is a lecturer at Towson University. Chase received his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in composition from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Felipe Lara and Michael Hersch. Learn more about Jordan Chase through his website: https://www.jordanchasemusic.com/
Performed by Matchstick Percussion at their Launch Party on September 23nd, 2023 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Washington D.C.
Video and Audio Recording by Brendan Sweeney
Video Edited by Ben Hausman
