Beginning with single-note drones and “writing, writing, and writing,” Lenz built a series of pieces based on each individual note of the Western chromatic scale, allowing melodic luminance to shine out from a central, holding, gravitational pull. The results belie the limitations of the core concept, forming a record of astonishing depth. 4 in a Cycle of Thirds touches on traditional folk musics, chamber music, contemporary composition, film score, and even interweaves sprightly jazz inflections, without ever becoming restricted by the drones that form its foundations.