For Cassandra was written in completion of my master’s thesis. I wanted to create a work based around a novel tuning system. Inspired by John Chowning’s

Stria, I saw the possibilities of taking the interval of the golden ratio to derive unique frequential relationships. While he takes the golden ratio as an interval

and divides it into nine equal divisions (geometric mean), I decided to divide the ratio by itself and by its mathematical cousins, the metallic means (the silver

ratio, the bronze ratio, etc.). The tuning lattices derived from this process created a wholly unique and alluring musical result that deeply interested me.

Documentation on phi‑based tuning systems includes the 833‑cent scale discovered independently by Bohen Pierce, Walter O’Connell, and Lorne Temes.

The derivation of this scale comes from the combination tones produced in the Fibonacci sequence, which approximate the 833.09‑cent interval. This

approximation becomes more accurate with higher consecutive values in the Fibonacci sequence. I suspect that there is something inherently self‑similar in

the properties of combination tones produced by phi and its cousins, which create a unique aural tapestry of unexpected harmonicities.

Something about the sound of these scales reminded me of my first music teacher, my older sister. She is non‑verbal and has autism, and has always lived a

deeply expressive, aurally enriching, musical life. Her sounds, wholly her own, seem to resonate in my consciousness even when I am not with her. She has a

strong, loving relationship with keyboards and a particular affinity for electronic sounds that produce clear combination tones.

Every other aspect of this work was created with the creative impetus of a musical toybox inspired by my sister. The ending is influenced by my witnessing of

an anti‑autism movement gaining popularity. I am grieved and fearful for what I see as an ironing out of the beautiful wrinkles of diverse minds.

Thanks to Zach Bud Wilson (vibraphone), Jody Goodhart (Strings), and Piper Weldon (Voice) for being sampled in this work.