"x^3 (x-cubed)" by Ethan Chaparro (2024)

"x^3" is a piece inspired by the Rubik's cube. I cannot solve a Rubik's cube however by younger brother can. I interviewed him and asked him about his process for solving a cube from his initial observations, planning, and execution.
He said there were 3 main stages, one for each of the layer of the cube. In "x^3", there are three miniature sections: the build-up, the chaos, and the climax.
In the build-up, there are two elements: the longer interwoven lines and the quicker and sharper 16th notes. These represent the mind and fingers respectively. The mind is more analytical and thoughtful thinking of many things at once and the fingers are active and twitchy while they move the cube around.
In the chaos, the fingers have completely taken over and now it's just muscle memory going, hoping they don't make a mistake.
Finally in the climax, the cube is approaching completion and is deceptively difficult. The past moves had create a limited number of patterns available which makes the mind come back into control again. After much deliberation, the cube is finally complete and now we can rejoice.
Please feel free to reach out at [e-mail] for questions and more info, thank you.
Ethan Chaparro, composer
Gear
Music: Sibelius 2024.3, NotePerformer 4
Video: Final Cut Pro

[@quinn7894]

1:40 I *LOVE* the chord at mark 55

[@ethanchaparro20]

Thanks, Em9! I’m a big fan of using these colorful chords when applicable.