Study no. 52.6
Performance Instructions
For 6 players, each playing a device capable of making 7 distinct sounds
The score contains a 7-space staff, a series of interconnected notational symbols, and a red, vertical attack line. Events occur at the moment each symbol reaches the red attack line (the lines between each symbol are not to be considered notationally. They are there to improve legibility, as each symbol is moving at a different rate than the others).
The 7 spaces of the staff represent 7 distinct sounds, and the quality, onset, and release of these sounds are determined by the specifics of each symbol. The solid black symbol indicates a short, staccato sound. The white symbol indicates a sustained tone, lasting until the next symbol reaches the attack line (these are generally quite short). The white symbol surrounded by two rotating orange circles indicates some variation on the sound associated with the staff space that the symbol is on. For instance, if the top space represents the striking of an alarm bell with a soft rubber mallet, the white symbol with the two rotating circles could represent scraping the alarm bell with a wire brush.
It is important to determine these elements prior to performance and to be consistent throughout. Each musical event should be singular, ie. a short melodic phrase would fall beyond the aesthetic expectations of this piece.
Ryan Ross Smith, 2018
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.
