3. Crystal Canon for Edgard Varèse - Tenney [Ensemble 64.8]

This is the 3rd from "Three Pieces for Drum Quartet" (1974) by James Tenney.

"Three Pieces for Drum Quartet" is modified from James Tenney's three pieces originally written for a mechanical drum created by Stephan von Huene. The machine utilizes automated hammers that respond to information read from large, rotating discs. The nature of the machine lends itself to compositional ideas based around interdependency, creating a single whole from the summation of many smaller, interrelated parts. Each rhythmic fragment runs down the line of the percussionists, creating a single, continuous line, demanding concentrated listening and unified playing from everyone. Tenney then adds a further level of depth in the piece by quoting composers Charles Ives and Edgar Varèse in the 1st and 3rd movements respectively, and using Henry Cowell's compositional hocketing techniques in the 2nd. Through modifying these pieces for live performers, Tenney has essentially crafted the quintessential chamber experience.

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