Scuffle and Snap for Violin and Tape (2010)
Duration 6:00
Program Notes
Scuffle and Snap (2010) is one in my long series that build heightened dramatic structures around traditional instruments. They are all virtuosic and challenging, but fun to perform. In this piece, I started with an aural image of mostly “popping sounds” which led to my extensive use of pizzicato. When longer, bowed music does finally appear uninterrupted, the change is dramatic and provides a strong sense of exhalation.
A recording of the piece, performed by Daniel Stepner, appears on the 2015 CD, Are You Radioactive, Pal?, Suspicious Motives Records. It will also be on a forthcoming New World Records CD by Mari Kimura.
Performance Notes
Accidentals do not carry through the bar. They refer only to the note they precede, except in cases of immediate repetition, where, for example C#,C,C would mean C#,C#,C# (even with intervening rests). Cautionary accidentals have been added (in parenthesis) for clarity.
In concert, both the quality and positioning of the playback system are very important. Time in rehearsal should be devoted to balancing the volume and timbre and to positioning. Loudspeakers should be capable of reproducing the full audible frequency spectrum and use of a subwoofer is ideal. While multiple speakers beyond a single stereo pair may be used, at least one pair must be positioned on stage, very close to the performer to create an ensemble sound. Any sound coming from remote speakers should be at a lower volume than the main, stage pair. If on-stage speakers are not possible, a microphone or pickup on the instrument is essential to properly mix the prerecorded and live sound.
Scuffle and Snap for Violin and Tape
Eric Chasalow (2010)