Tunings

Causton, Richard

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Sample score

Open

Duration

5m 30s

Composed

2007

Instrumentation

Flexible Ensemble

Scoring

Four parts within ranges high to low; Percussion (2 players): tenor drum, low tom-tom (or similar drums) low tam-tam or gong; Sound system (1 player): portable/fixed compact disk players.

About the work

Tunings is about radio: the unpredictable, sometimes surreal window it opens on the world and its relationship with the listener at home, tuning between stations.

First Performance: CoMA Summer School small ensembles concert 2007

Technical notes

The cd player is started in bar 7 on a sign from the conductor and thereafter the ensemble should be kept roughly with the soundtrack as indicated – although split-second co-ordination is not necessary. Some volume adjustment may be necessary as the piece progresses depending on the venue, number of performers etc; ideally the sound system should be loud enough to almost balance with the ensemble in bars 51-54. The drums are played with dusters to produce a sound which is muffled, distant and indistinct.

Origin

Open Score 2007, commissioned by Philip Cashian