UC Santa Cruz

This paper describes the various compositional considerations involved in the creation of the work Constructus Profanem, a multi-movement instrumental work exploring instrument mechanics, tuning strategies, acoustics, formal structures, and esoteric symbolism. We will begin with a look at the work of Harry Partch, a composer whose work embodies each of these topics and more. We will examine his tuning gamut, the “Monophony Fabric” and discuss its construction, as well as some of the instruments he has created for his compositions. From here, I will present the construction of a just intonation tuning system and its inherent challenges while discussing solutions and compromises as they relate to meantone temperaments and multiple division of the octave. I will give some of the history concerning nineteen-tone equal temperament and compare it to just intonation and twelve-tone equal temperament. Next, I will offer strategies for performing music in the temperament for the instruments suggested and offer ideas for substitutions. Then we will discuss the evolution of the formal structuring of the piece and the organization of its movements before finally examining the inner working of the movements themselves. We will see how the sections transition into one another and how their rhythmic and pitch material is organized.