Greensilver (1989)
recorded by Tim McAllister and Jonathan Wintringham on Walimai
The title Greensilver came from an alternate name for mercury: quicksilver. Somehow, the image of sivery, liquid, quickened metal crossed with a softening verdant green informs the tone of the piece. There is also a certain sadness at the piece's heart--the music alternates between fast-moving interlocking fluid passages and long lines that pull against drones. In the latter, I was particularly interested in the patterns of beating and difference tones (a third pitch that is created in the air when two tones interact) that are audible between and below the notes of the two instruments when sounded together. The piece was written for Wesley Miller and John Sampen.
recorded by Tim McAllister and Jonathan Wintringham on Walimai
The title Greensilver came from an alternate name for mercury: quicksilver. Somehow, the image of sivery, liquid, quickened metal crossed with a softening verdant green informs the tone of the piece. There is also a certain sadness at the piece's heart--the music alternates between fast-moving interlocking fluid passages and long lines that pull against drones. In the latter, I was particularly interested in the patterns of beating and difference tones (a third pitch that is created in the air when two tones interact) that are audible between and below the notes of the two instruments when sounded together. The piece was written for Wesley Miller and John Sampen.