The title Interra means ‘on earth’ or ‘ground’, and refers to the middle section of a mass cycle by Obrecht, in which the formal time divisions, pitch, tempo, and durations are all based on the ratio 3:2.  This ratio is also used to determine the harmonic structure, formal time divisions, and tempo for this piece.  It is inspired by the expression of infinite repetition inherent to all forms of ritualism.

Interra was written for the Arraymusic ensemble as part of a residency program for young composers,  and performed at the Music Gallery, Toronto in 1986.

Listen (excerpt)