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Composer: Alan Taylor Title: "strained almost to breaking point" Instrumentation: String orchestra - violins 1 and 2, violas, cellos, optional double basses Duration: 5 minutes Difficulty: Easy Live Recording: Ensamble Rosario, Argentina, 2003 Technical Issues: In the opening passage, all instruments play an A, with different strings and fingerings indicated. Since the piece was written with amateur string orchestras in mind, this is a deliberate exploitation of the fact that players will find difficulty in playing these notes in tune with one another. The sense of being out of tune is then taken further through note bending and playing the neighbouring semi-tones. The 'white noise' which occurs next is best produced using very short up-bows, exactly on the bridge. In this way it should, after a little practice, prove possible to eliminate any tone, and keep the bow from moving to one side of the bridge or the other. Programme note:The title of this piece is part of a dictionary definition of 'tense' or 'tension', which seemed an appropriate starting point when writing for strings. The piece consist entirely of three comparatively simple string sound effects It was originally written for a composers' workshop organised by the Forum London Composers' Group with Howard Skempton and the East London Late Starters Orchestra, and revised subsequently. I am grateful to Howard, and the members of the orchestra, for their comments and suggestions. Availability:from Alan Taylor or from his SibeliusMusic home page where you can view, play, and print the score. |
Return to Alan Taylor's catalogue More on London Chamber Group Forum London Chamber Symphony Forum London Composers' Group South London Community Music 18th May 2000 |