Septimal by Joe Evans

While I initially conceived of Septimal as a study of music harmony, it has developed into something far more personal and complex. After the first five tracks were produced, a possible narrative became apparent. This can be seen in the track titles, which relate to an individuals obsession with power and the consequences there of. While the music may hint at a Middle Eastern connection this is purely a result of the scale, although it would be an obvious setting.

The word Septimal, meaning “Pertaining to all things Seven” is hardly known. It’s only real use is in music, where it refers to intervals derived from the seventh harmonic. These intervals are often poor relations to intervals in generally use, fighting for space on an otherwise occupied keyboard. By removing any notes derived form the fifth harmonic the space opens up and you are left with a scale composed of mainly septimal intervals, a coup within the harmonic series, perhaps?

While most of my work has been largely electronic or computer based, using an acoustic instrument such as the autoharp was an obvious choice as each note (string) is independently tuneable, although when using an instrument like the autoharp, it becomes impossible not to explore the sonic possibilities. The taps, bumps, string scrapes and other mechanical noises of the instrument are as much of it’s character as the notes themselves. This has lead to a number of pieces where the tuning is far less relevant or even obscured, although always present.

The tracks “The Front” and “Forget me not” were among the last produced and are reflections on the war time losses of my family, all victims of the ambition of others.

Outlet for the music of Joe Evans / Runningonair.

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