Echinus Sulcatus (2005)

Live performance of Echinus Sulcatus requires two conductors with click tracks. The harp and piano follow conductor 1 at quarter note equals 80 and the percussionists follow conductor 2 at quarter note equals 70. Unlike many of the pieces by Conlon Nancarrow that also utilize simultaneous close tempi, here the tempi are not meant to be perceived. Rather, they allow for a simple way to "break the grid" of traditional metrical notation without resorting to impossibly complex rhythms. Using this method I tried to create the musical equivalent of a Jackson Pollack painting, with sounds "splattered" in time.

This recording is performed by members of the California EAR Unit and was conducted by David Rosenboom and myself.

duration: 4:00 | mp3