Sonata Celestia by Anya Gowan
Sonata Celestia was inspired by a photograph of the Eagle Nebula taken by the Hubble telescope. It features three massive spires of gas and dust called The Pillars of Creation. The photograph was taken on April 1st, 1995 by Jeff Hester and Paul Scowen of Arizona State University.
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Each movement is based on one colour from the photograph.
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The first movement is yellow-it portrays the pillars, which span several light years and whose gravity causes starts to form nearby.
The second movement is blue-it portrays the mist surrounding the pillars.
The third movement is green-it portrays the sky and stars in the background.
The fourth movement is red-it portrays the formation of a star.
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Synesthesia and Chromesthesia
Synesthesia (or Synaesthesia) is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.
In other words, it is a blending of the senses, some people see colours, shapes, or textures when listening to music.
Chromesthesia, also known as sound-to-colour synesthesia is the specific type of synesthesia in which sound involuntarily evokes an experience of colour, shape, and movement..
The nature of the visualizations, including the colours experienced, varies widely between individuals.
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About Anya Gowan
Anya Gowan is a freelance model, classical guitarist, and composer living in Ottawa, Ontario.
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Anya models locally for artists, photographers and fashion designers. She has worked with artists such as Paul Saindon and designer brand Ginbrammon.
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She studied guitar with Philip Candelaria at the University of Ottawa, graduating in 2015. She now writes music and self-publishes.
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Anya's music has been performed by guitarists such as Emily Shaw, Daniel Ramjattan, and Julian Bertino.
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Score
The score for Sonata Celestia is available at the composer's website:
There are both 10-string and 6-string versions available.​
Photo by Curtis Perry
Julian Bertino is an artist known for his fearless commitment to creative exploration and a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. He holds a Master of Music in 10-String Guitar Performance, a MA in Composition, and a BMus from the University of Ottawa, where he is a professor of Music Technology.
Performing on a warm, resonant ten-string guitar by Mexican Luthier José Perfecto Rubio Vasquez, a performer's stand by König and Meyer, and utilizing the creative power of Ableton Push 3, Julian embraces the unexpected and boldly shapes his on-stage presence.
Julian's compositions orbit themes of space, technology, and psychoacoustics. Influenced by mentors Kelly-Marie Murphy, John Gordon Armstrong, and Frederic Lacroix, he excels at articulating intricate philosophical ideas through sound. His compositional influences span a wide range of genres, including Electronic Music, Jazz, Punk, Metal, Early and Contemporary music as well as Cinematic soundtracks.
Julian's guitar technique and interpretative skills can be attributed to the influence of teachers Patrick Roux, Philip Candelaria, Matthew Gould, and Denis Donegani. Studies with Louis Trépanier and Laurence Ewashko honed his expertise in chamber ensembles and collaborative art song.