Application of the Root Chakra
Instruments for this piece have been deliberately chosen for their primitive or tribal associations (to relate to the earth element) and their predominately low tessitura (as the Root Chakra is the lowest human energy centre). Hence, the ensemble consists of alto and tenor saxophones, bassoon, clapping sticks, triangle, timpani (tuned at the associated pitches of C and F#) and marimba. Muladhara exploits the lower ranges of these instruments. As the Root Chakra is alleged as the place where human spiritual evolution begins, Muladhara includes the ‘seeds’ of predominant themes present in the five following pieces (omitting Sahasrara, as the Crown Chakra is the “culmination of the progressive assent through the different chakras” [Saraswati, 1996:174]), whilst still maintaining its own identity. Thus, the form can be summarised as:
| Section | Duration | Chakra ‘seed’ | Other |
| A | Bars 1-21 | Navel | Introduction |
| B | Bars 22-42 | Abdominal | Introduction of Muladhara theme |
| C | Bars 43-63 | Heart | Contrast section |
| D | Bars 64-84 | Throat | Muladhara theme development |
| E | Bars 85-105 | Brow | Conclusion (restatement of introduction) |
The numbers one (first chakra) and four (number of lotus petals) have been combined to create the five sections shown above, whilst intervals of one, four and five are used frequently throughout the piece. The introduction, conclusion and Muladhara theme (see example below) all represent security through controlled musical elements such as their use of ostinati and regular rhythmical patterns.
Muladhara theme, alto saxophone bars 21-25, Muladhara.
The associated pitches of C and F# are the focus in the introduction and conclusion, whilst the remainder of the piece primarily employs C as a tonal centre and pedal point.
Fiona Pennisi-Mitchell 