I Know that I know nothing
performed by:
violin, piano, cello
My piano trio “I Know That I Know Nothing” was written as I underwent medical treatment in the fall of 2024. During this time I experienced an incredible range of emotions: hours in treatment everyday, not attending school in person, and writing more music than I have in my entire life--to name a few catalysts. I used this time to enhance my cognitive awareness, my understanding of those around me, and my perception of the planet as a whole. However, as I learn more in this world of abundant knowledge, I end up feeling that I know less. Let’s take the most basic example of theology: if I were to question the existence of God, and then be brought the knowledge of quantum physics, independent movement of particles, and the fact that every atom in the universe has been forged from the same fire, my question is nowhere near answered. This knowledge would only lead to more questions, and even worsen the previous question: can such phenomena only be created by a god, or does this prove science is behind existence rather than a divine? During this emotionally prominent time of my life, I struggled with my interpretation of existence, especially as knowledge became burden.
The original name for my composition was “I Know Nothing”, reflecting the evident unknown of the planet, and that, ultimately, no one knows anything of our own existence. However, at the realization that Socrates felt similar--that knowledge leads to more questions--I stole his quote as the title of my piece.
The composition was based on a simple tonal structure I created, going up the whole tone scale, then switching to the alternative whole tone scale at the end of an octave. Combining the two separate whole tone scales uses all 12-tones, encouraging dissonance. I used much of this dissonance, alongside atonality and extended techniques, to embody an anger towards the inevitable lack of knowledge humans have. The quiet and tonal sections continue to be irate, however can be understood as our tendency to live silently and not acknowledge the fearful nature that may lay beneath our skin. I intend for a thoughtful listener to question their own knowledge, not as a means of dismay but to encourage positive thought. I like to interpret an unknown world as a world to be discovered, fueling life and adventure, and I hope our entire species can too see the positivity in this existential truth.
