The title Momencarderium is a word I have coined. I created this word to explain the phenomenon of living in a moment in your life or in history that you are cognizant that your life is changing. You understand that your way of life will never be the same after this moment. I created it from Latin using the phrase, “In momento cardo non idem”.  When I created this word my first thought was of the positive and nostalgic side. The example I thought of at the time was seeing a beloved musician or athlete perform one last time where all involved know this is the last time. However, I have come to realize that the term is applicable to not just the happy and nostalgic, but also the tragic and unsettling. The breakout of war has apprised me of this darker possibility. This work seeks to create a soundscape that nurtures this sensation in the listener. The audience is encouraged to think about either current events, or a cherished moment when they knew their life would change to help amplify this effect.

The video included is of AI art I have generated. This art was created using keywords from the definition provided above to create a series of still images that would help visualize this feeling. I then took these frames, converted them into high-resolution versions, and combined them to create this video.

The video should be started before the music begins. The video runs 5 minutes and 15 seconds while the music contained in the piece is only about 4 minutes and 50 seconds at tempo. The performers will wait until the video ends to put their instruments down to signify the end of the piece.