Stafylakis | Source Code

Source Code

Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis

PERUSALSCORE

Source

Code for big band

[Harry] Stafylakis

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Haralabos

Commissioned in 2018 by the Hard Rubber Orchestra with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Premiere on May 25, 2019 at Cary Hall, the DiMenna Center, New York City

Program Notes

source code

noun: Computer program written in a high-level language which is converted into object code or machine code by a compiler. Source code is the only stage where a programmer can read and modify a computer program.

In musical terms, then, the written score represents the source; the performers act as the compiler, converting it into the sound (‘object code’) that reaches our ears.

Poetically, this piece is perhaps one of my most explicit attempts at writing contemporary progressive metal music for a non-metal ensemble. The musical language of metal is, in a real sense, the source code behind my artistic persona, and here is presented in relatively pure form – a sure sign that I’m long past caring about academia’s allergy to music with tunes and grooves.

Also, besides being brutally heavy, Source Code is brutally difficult to play. I was hoping to make the players sweat. Don’t worry, they can handle it.

My deep thanks to John Korsrud and the Hard Rubber Orchestra for commissioning this piece and taking on the challenge of playing really un-jazzy music.

—HS | www.hstafylakis.com

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Guitar & Bass Legend

Instrumentation*

1 Soprano Sax in Bb

1 Alto Sax in Eb

1 Tenor Sax in Bb

1 Baritone Sax in Eb

3 Trumpets in Bb

3 Trombones

1 Bass Trombone

1 Violin (amplified or electric)

1 Electric Guitar (drop-D tuning)

1 Electric Bass (drop-D tuning)

Piano (full stick)

Drum Set**: kick (w/ double-pedal), snare, 3 toms, hi-hat, ride, splash, crash, china)

Conductor

*Ensemble should be individually miked and amplified if possible.

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**Drum set components should be modeled after contemporary prog metal/rock kits, to the extent possible. The general preference would be for small, fast, dry cymbals and tight, focused drums. The indicated drum set setup is the minimum; the player is encouraged to expand the tom & cymbal setup to taste, adapting the written part to their kit as needed (e.g., the notated splash can be distributed over multiple splashes, small spocks, or similar effects cymbals.

Duration: 11'

First printing, June 2024

Published by Just a Theory Press | www.justatheorypress.com

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subtones;warm,delicate

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Stafylakis: Source Code JAT-128-025-FS

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