Programme note: Triadic Memories by Morton Feldman

Morton Feldman's Triadic Memories is a landmark composition in the history of contemporary classical music. Commissioned by the pianist Ursula Oppens and premiered in 1981, the piece is a striking example of Feldman's distinctive compositional style, which is characterized by a focus on temporal structures and the use of extended musical forms.

At the heart of Triadic Memories is Feldman's innovative approach to musical form, which is centered around the use of temporal structures. Unlike traditional musical forms, which are typically based on the repetition of musical ideas and the use of clear-cut structures, Feldman's approach is much more open-ended and fluid. Rather than following a predetermined form, the piece is structured around a series of temporal events, with each event unfolding in its own unique way.

The result is a piece that is characterized by a sense of unpredictability and indeterminacy. As the music unfolds, the listener is constantly surprised by the unexpected turns and twists that the piece takes, with the music continually shifting and evolving in response to the temporal structures that Feldman has created. This sense of surprise and uncertainty is a key feature of Feldman's music, and it is one of the things that makes Triadic Memories such a striking and original composition.

One of the most notable aspects of Triadic Memories is the way in which Feldman uses the piano to create a sense of temporal flow. Throughout the piece, the piano plays a central role, with the music constantly shifting and changing in response to the pianist's movements. This creates a sense of dynamic movement, as the music continually evolves in response to the pianist's touch.

Feldman's use of the piano in this way is a key element of his compositional approach. By using the piano as the primary source of musical material, he is able to create a sense of temporal flow that is uniquely suited to his compositional style. This approach is evident throughout Triadic Memories, as the piano plays a central role in shaping the course of the piece.

In addition to his use of the piano, Feldman also employs a range of other techniques to create a sense of temporal flow in Triadic Memories. One of these is his use of extended musical forms, which allows the music to unfold over long periods of time. This creates a sense of continuity and coherence, as the music flows seamlessly from one moment to the next.

Another key aspect of Feldman's approach is his use of repetition, which he employs in a number of different ways throughout the piece. In some cases, he uses repetition to create a sense of continuity and coherence, as the music continually returns to familiar musical ideas and structures. In other cases, he uses repetition to create a sense of instability and uncertainty, as the music continually shifts and changes in response to the repeated material.
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Overall, Feldman's use of temporal structures in Triadic Memories is a key element of his compositional approach. By using extended forms, repetition, and the piano to create a sense of temporal flow, he is able to create a piece that is both unpredictable and engaging. Through his innovative approach to musical form, Feldman has created a work that is truly unique and original, and that continues to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.