Music Samples
Music Samples
Samples are in MP3 format and are approximately 30 seconds long.
Sequencia:
DNA Music/DNA Suite
The Music of DNA: The Building Block of Life
Composed by Susan Alexjander in Partnership with Biologist David Deamer
SEQUENCIA
SEQUENCIA is a unique and lyrical celebration of the miracle of life. The songs of SEQUENCIA are derived and inspired by the resonant frequencies of DNA, the complex building block molecule that contains the blueprints for all life on earth. Adjusted to the registers of the human ear, SEQUENCIA offers an exciting and unusual glimpse into the often haunting, often beautiful whispers of the invisible world within.
In SEQUENCIA, raw data derived from the light absorption spectra of the four bases (adenine, cytosine, thymine, guanine) that make up the DNA molecule is converted into sonic frequencies. These are programmed to a Macintosh computer and sent to a synthesizer, and then arranged into four pitch collections (or four 'scales' based on the individual base molecules). These synthesized notes mixed with vocals, cello, tabla, and violin become the palettes for Alexjander's compositions, which range from somber and zen-like to fanciful and improvisational.
"Sequencia is the Grail Quest set to music. There is beauty and power in it; great power."
—Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Meaning & Medicine
"Sometimes mysterious, sometimes playful. . . an evolutionary leap forward."
—Rick Weiss, New York Times
"The tunings are breathtaking. This is a classical masterpiece, not 'New Age'."
—Barbra Dillinger, teacher in the healing arts
DNA Music / DNA Suite
These recordings were created by Dr. David Deamer, an esteemed biologist at UCSC noted for his breakthrough work on the origins of life and my partner for Sequencia. They use a technique called "mapping" to plot musical rhythms and combinations of tones which are charming and tuneful, as the bases proceed along the double helix. DNA Suite is informational and fun, while DNA Music is for a more meditative mood. (An article explaining his process is available on request). Originally separate cassette recordings, DNA MUSIC and DNA SUITE are now also available on one complete, remastered CD.