Study no. 2, like Study no. 1, is quite different from where my work with Animated Notation ended up going. Focusing on subtle melodic and harmonic material, and using a combination of randomly-assembled notational fragments with scrolling attack lines, the piece feels as if it is moving toward something on the micro-scale, but on the macro-scale is designed to have very little narrative direction.
Performance Instructions
for vocalist, piano, and 4 or more instrumentalists
The score contains 2 treble staves, 2 bass staves, one vocal line, and a grand staff. The grand staff should be played by piano, the vocal line by any range vocalist. The treble and bass staves can be played by any combination of instruments. Octave displacements are permissible.
Each player follows the scrolling attack line corresponding to their current, or active staff. Play each note as the attack line crosses it. Red sustain lines that follow noteheads determine sustain length and/or glissando. If a sustain line is present, hold the corresponding pitch until the attack line has crossed the end (right side) of the line. The pitch contour of a glissando should be followed.
The vocalist sings each word with little to no vibrato. Pitch should reference a current or recent pitch played by the instrumentalists.
Once a player's respective attack line reaches the right side of the screen, that player may decide to move to another staff. This should not be done often, and the player should regularly return to their initial staff. One full attack line cycle (from far left to far right) must occur before moving to another staff. There may at times be multiple players following the same staff. This is OK, but should not be predetermined.
Phrasing may be incorporated.
Dynamics: P to MF.
Duration: 15 minutes or more.
Score presentation: Projection or networked monitors. If using networked monitors, all performers should still be following the same iteration of the score.
Ryan Ross Smith, 2011/2012.
If you would like a copy of this animated score for performance, or have any questions about the animated notation used in this piece, feel free to get in touch! My contact information can be found here.
