Science is Only A Sometimes Friend
for eight glockenspiels and organ (2009)
SCIENCE IS ONLY A SOMETIMES FRIEND was originally conceived as outdoor performance piece for eight glockenspiels and public performers. This version of the piece is inspired by the challenge of creating a specific sonic environment with live performers and, at the same time, inviting casual observers to contribute sounds of their own. The glockenspiels pulse together in steady time throughout the hour-long performance as individual pitches enter and exit the thick texture, like characters walking on and off a stark geometric stage.
The constant chiming of the glockenspiels creates a halo of harmonic activity around the performers that shifts depending upon the location of the listener. This mysterious whistle is anticipated, yet oddly vague, sometimes more present and other times hidden. The piece tests the science of attention and the counterpoint of daydreams.
The concert version of Science… is scored for eight glockenspiels and organ, which replaces the secondary contributions of the public perfomers.
CONCERT VERSION
Recorded December 15, 2009 – ISSUE PROJECT ROOM
(Joe Bergen, Al Cerulo, Levy Lorenzo, Russell Greenberg, Sam Sowyrda, Mike McCurdy, Justin Wolf, Mike Pride and Aaron Siegel)
PUBLIC VERSION
Recorded June 21, 2009 – CENTRAL PARK
(Joe Branciforte, Danielle Weinberg, Mike Sperone, Joe Bergen, Chris Graham, Levy Lorenzo, Dennis, Al Cerulo – Glockenspiels; Dave Ruder, Max Schreier, Sam Swoyrda, James Ilgenfritz, Aaron Siegel – conductoros)