MIDI Etude No. 2 -”I don’t mind this dream, but I’m tired”

for Fixed Media

The opening harmonic progression of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (Mvt 1) is simple yet iconic - a masterclass in the power of well-manipulated tension and momentum via a carefully arranged narrative of harmonic function. This includes an unmistakable and powerful descent in the bass and the most recognizable Neapolitan 6th Chord I can think of.

Aside from its theoretical merits, the opening creates a dreamy longing that seems to stretch time itself. That is the basis for my piece Midi Etude No. 2 - "I don't mind this dream, but I'm tired".

In a 6-minute expansion of the aforementioned progression, this piece captures how I feel when I'm just trying to get a good night's sleep and instead have a dream that is too concrete. Eerie, curious, and adventurous though it may be, I would prefer just to rest. I tried to capture the eccentricity of my own dreams while drawing on the power and recognizability of Beethoven's music as a foundation.