By: Joe Argentino, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Abstract of Video:
Mapping Fibonacci: Serialism and Symmetry in Andrew Staniland’s Phi, Caelestis
The first movement of Andrew Staniland’s ballet Phi, Caelestis (2017) features a twelve-note series with eleven pitch classes derived from the Fibonacci sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8). The series is generated using Fibonacci-derived numbers, mapped as semitones. The prime series consists of two discrete hexachords, both starting on the same pitch class: the first applies Fibonacci-derived intervals in alternating ascending and descending motion from the initial pitch class, while the second reverses this process, starting with descending motion.
Staniland introduces the series unconventionally. P2 unfolds in long note durations over the first 126 measures. With the arrival of P0 in measure 127, the series emerges prominently in its conventional form, followed by inversion, retrograde, and retrograde-inversion statements interwoven through dovetailing—the final pitch of one series becomes the first of the next, forming a repeated closed loop.
By merging serial techniques with Fibonacci-derived structures, Staniland creates a distinctive hybrid approach to pitch organization, contributing to the evolving landscape of serial music.
About the Author:
Joe Argentino is Associate Professor of Music Theory at Memorial University of Newfoundland, specializing in post-tonal and serial music. His current research focuses on exploring the connection between form and text in Arnold Schoenberg’s religious compositions, the use of the Fibonacci sequence as a generator of pitch, and symbolism in the works of Luigi Dallapiccola. Joe is a sought-after speaker and has been invited to give numerous guest talks, lectures, and keynote addresses across Canada. He has presented papers at numerous regional, national, and international conferences and has published articles, book chapters, and reviews in leading music theory journals. Joe also holds a distinctive educational role as “Festival Music Theorist” at the Tuckamore Music Festival, where he has delivered over twenty talks covering a wide spectrum of music topics ranging from Bach to Run-DMC.
Bibliography:
Schillinger, Joseph. 1946. The Schillinger System of Musical Composition. New York: Carl
Fischer.
Shelley, Alexander, conductor. 2017. Encount3rs: Classical. National Arts Centre
Orchestra. September 29, 2017.
Staniland, Andrew. 2017. Phi, Caelestus. Toronto: Canadian Music Centre. MI 9400
S784phi. SKU 72617. Duration 30:00. Accessed June 8, 2025. https://cmccanada.org/shop/72617/.