Program Notes

The title, Parábolas na Caverna, translates to Parables in the Cave, drawing inspiration from Plato's renowned "Parable of the Cave." In this philosophical dialogue between Socrates and Glaucon, Socrates vividly portrays a group of prisoners bound within a cave, their perception of reality limited to the shadows projected on the wall by a fire behind them. As they ascribe names and meanings to these distorted shadows, their understanding of the world remains confined within the confines of the cave. Plato's Socrates emphasizes that philosophy, knowledge, and education can liberate individuals from this confined perspective, leading to a deeper comprehension of reality beyond the mere shadows.

This allegory deeply resonates with the original intentions of the musical work, characterized by its unstable, ethereal, and multifaceted nature. Throughout the creative process, numerous interpretative stages arise, but ultimately, the beholder is left to perceive the work through their subjective lens.

To evoke the essence of the cave and its deformed shadows, I distort and elastically mold the flute material, presenting it from various angles. This mirrors the prisoners' distorted perception of reality. Moreover, parabolic shapes influence various musical elements, such as melody, harmony, dynamics, and gestures. To represent the cave's resonant acoustical space, I incorporate reverb and amplification, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Parábolas na Caverna is a thought-provoking musical exploration, inviting the listener to reflect on the nature of perception, interpretation, and understanding. Like the shadows in Plato's allegory, the music beckons the listener to journey beyond the surface and delve into the depths of multiple meanings and interpretations.

— Felipe Lara