Psyche Inspired
Learn more about the Psyche Inspired program and view other works
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Psyche Inspired: Isaac Wisdom
Isaac Wisdom (Photo Credit: Abigail Weibel)
Institution: Arizona State University
Major: music (music and culture)/electrical engineering [double major]
Psyche Inspired Class: 2017-2018
Journey
Isaac Wisdom
Major: music (music and culture)/electrical engineering [double major]
Genre/Medium: composition
About the work: Journey is a piece I wrote to capture the feelings of the Psyche probe’s journey to its namesake, the asteroid Psyche. My inspiration came from the balance between the solemn yet dignified solitude the probe will experience and the knowledge that ultimately, it is coming from a place of great knowledge and going somewhere to accomplish something greater. I had assistance from Dr. Rockmaker of ASU’s School of Music, who guided me through the specifics of classically oriented composition. The form of my piece was inspired by the exposition of a typical sonata, featuring a first theme in Db major, a second theme in Ab major, and ending with a recapitulation back in Db. The cover art was designed and illustrated by fellow Psyche Inspired intern Brianna Orrill.
Construction
Isaac Wisdom
Major: music (music and culture)/electrical engineering [double major]
Genre/Medium: composition and performance
About the work: ‘Construction’ is my interpretation of the build process for the construction of the Psyche spacecraft. The tune is upbeat and happy, which I feel fits the emotions the technicians will feel as they fit together the pieces that will become Psyche. Along with the written score is a live recording and a music video where I play the parts of the piece. This video features me playing the trumpet, trombone, alto and tenor saxophone, upright bass, and piano. I recorded and edited the music using Apple’s GarageBand software, and I created the video using Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC software.
Ideas
Isaac Wisdom
Major: music (music and culture)/electrical engineering [double major]
Genre/Medium: composition
About the work: Ideas is a piece I wrote for a mallet ensemble that was inspired by the feelings and emotions that might have been felt by the person or group of people as they were first conceptualizing Psyche. In addition to writing out each part, I also specified how the ensemble should be set up. Certain instruments are meant to be on either the left or the right side, which allowed me to write the music with interest to the spatial relation between instruments. Interpretation of music is always subjective, of course, but hopefully you will feel the curiosity, wonder, and excitement that was present during the conception of Psyche, and that I convey through this piece.
