for two or more percussionists (2014)

V-I for two or more percussionists is one of a number of postcard pieces I have written lately. These began with static lines that danced now and then (2012) for two or more players on any pitched instruments. They arose partially in response to James Tenney’s postcard pieces (1965 – 1971), and partially as product of teaching composition (this is an assignment I set my students). The goal of these pieces is to create a work for two or more players, that can sustain for a minute or more and that fits on a 6 x 4 postcard. The pieces usually involve the players mapping their own route through the score and making decisions based on the small amount of material given.

In V-I each percussionist is required to play a sheet of A4 paper and 5 semi-pitched objects of their own choosing. The score uses graphical elements to denote rhythmic cells and is laid out in such way as to allow a great deal of freedom regarding the structure of the piece.

The title relates to the number of sound sources (one sheet of A4 paper and five semi-pitched objects), the score (there are five rhythmic cells to choose from versus one constant rhythmic and timbral gesture) and is also a musical pun, V-I denoting a perfect cadence, of which none appear in this piece (at least not intentionally).