PostCage (premiere recording of dharmachakramudra)
rangzen quartet recording of mf
ImprovFriday CD (includes virtual music 2)
flutes and trombone (2012)
I had an idea for writing a work for two flutes and a bass trombone. By splitting the notes between the two flautists, I could write continuous lines without requiring circular breathing and also write chordal music that would not be possible for one flute and a brass instrument, in the absence of multiphonics. And let’s face it, multiphonics are pretty harsh in terms of their sound quality.
This work could also be done by two identical treble instruments and a bass instrument. It is important that the two higher-pitched instruments be identical, but there is no reason this could not be accomplished by two violins or two oboes and a tuba, for example.
The last several minutes are very quiet, and largely consist of chords followed by silence, not too unlike the earlier work hevron-deir yassin.
The score is here.
Audio file (mp3) is here.
michaelvinny, and 
Paul H. Muller 12:34 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 12:34 pm Permalink
Listened to this on the train ride home the other day and found it very enjoyable. The use of flutes gives it a light, airy feel. Each section has a distinctive feel to it and the contrast is effective. I know you seldom revisit a piece once posted but I found the realization of the bass trombone a bit problematic – to my ears it often sounded like a bassoon. FWIW, when I played in a recorder group we had a cello player join us and it made a BIG difference – the warm tones of the cello neutralized the screechy-ness that often results when two treble instruments are played in the same register. A real live bass trombone might work in performance, but a low string instrument might do even better to give the piece a good foundation. In electronic realizations I have found the tuba to be the warmer voice. But this is a nice work!
dtoub 1:21 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 1:21 pm Permalink
Thanks Paul. The bass trombone sample was the best I could do with what I have (Reason’s samples are even worse in that regard), and don’t think it’s too bad overall. In a live performance, it would work fine. I’ve also made it clear that while scored for two flutes and trombone, it could be performed with any two identical treble instruments and any one bass instrument (a tuba or cello would be fine).
michaelvinny 2:17 am on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 2:17 am Permalink
how did you write the melody? neat piece, jamming.
dtoub 7:32 am on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 7:32 am Permalink
I have no idea, except that it just happened while improvising. Thanks. Glad you liked it.