SHADES OF DASHES
(For piano, saxophone, and electronics - 2000)
The anagram title suggests rearrangements. I also think
of "violent ghosts" with the word "shade" (disembodied
spirit) and the explosive word "dash" (to strike violently).
This is also my first attempt at incorporating live acoustic instruments
with electronic sounds. Live acoustic instruments can have a familiar
presence as living protagonists while the electronics suggest the unconscious
because the tone producers are unseen and can constantly change. There
is a melancholy opening (surrounded by a upper pedal tone D) which delves
deeper into the 'underworld' where swarms of unidentified creatures dwell.
In this section, nodes are touched on the piano strings and the strings
are brushed while holding chord keys down. Out of the morass, the two
characters (piano and saxophone) are brought to life in propulsive momentum.
Suddenly a sharp chord releases new sounds that threaten to engulf the
protagonists. A wild motor like 'rubber world' vehicle emerges to race
through tight avenues. To get these sounds a heavy blanket is placed
in the grand piano to muffle any sustained note -- so all you hear are
the attacks. The sax here plays "slap tongue" to create a sputtering
rhythm. There is much exchange here between the acoustic world and the
electronic; -- here the live players can't be even be slightly off without
throwing the momentum into turmoil. A chugging series of chords cut short
unleash the falling demons of before, crying out as if in torment. But
surprisingly the storm clears and we hear the only complete version of
the theme played simply as a single line piano melody. The sax then elaborates
against a low pedal G played by pulling a bicycle inner tube past the
string (it's essentially the opposite effect as the middle part, this
time there is no attack, only sustain). The electronic background is
a shimmering cloud of filtered harmonics. Performed by Keisuke Nakagoshi
(piano), Nik Phelps (baritone saxophone), Steve Mobia (electronics)
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