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This piece was finished in July 2007 for the Irregular Resolutions concert on September 29, 2007. Many thanks to Anne Szabla (vibraphone) and Charith Premawardhana (viola), who helped substantially to make sure extended techniques with their instruments were used to best advantage.
Initially sketched out in 2003, Paraquasia: A perpetual state of longing went through many permutations, searching for the proper instrumentation. One primary component of Paraquasia is its sophisticated use of sine waves, especially in the bass register. Sine waves have no harmonics, and low, deep tones are implemented that, at times, paint a novel, unnatural harmonic space. Alternatively, the sine waves interact with low notes of the extended-range vibraphone, supporting or contrasting its metallic character; in other passages, they intensify the viola's "touch 4th" harmonics.
The resulting soundscape is intended to imbue a pensive melodic atmosphere, introspective and somewhat sad. Below is the recording of the September 29 performance. I've also included the full score and parts. Lo-fi photos by Joyce have larger images underneath.
