Nemesis

Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

In astronomy, the Nemesis Hypothesis postulates that our sun may have a yet undetected companion star called "Nemesis". When the Nemesis star's orbit brings it closer to our solar system, its gravity disturbs the Oort cloud, a mass of comets one light-year from the sun. As a result of these disturbances, a high number of comets are driven through the inner solar system, with a resulting increase in impact events on earth. K-T, the massive dinosaur extinction of the Cretaceous-Tertiary period, is an example of such an event. My work for chamber orchestra is divided into three sections: the "Nemesis" music is grounded and solid; the "Oort cloud" music is more vaporous and mysterious; and the "K-T" impact music is rhythmic and forceful. Musical motives, drawn from a nine-tone source scale, help to link the three sections, creating a musical analogue for this intriguing cosmic phenomenon.

Description
Degree
Master of Music
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Music, Communication and the arts, Chamber orchestra, Original composition
Citation

Santillan Alcocer, Ana Paola. "Nemesis." (2008) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/103523.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page