"UHRMACHER" is an incommensurable composition for twelve musicians of open instrumentation [subject to pitch ranges] & amplified pocket watch.

Each musician is prescribed one note [in some cases preceded by a grace note] that is repeated at a unique and consistant interval of time. Thereby the vertical relationship between the notes ‘turn’, as it were, like the hands of a clock. The range of notes presented are, in this incarnation of the work, based around a lydian modal tonality [raised 4th].

The musicians are instructed to play on only 50% of the repetitions, distributed throughout the piece as they see fit. Furthermore, performers are given a selection of octaves to which they can shift after a range of repetitions outlined in the performance instructions. 

The leading bass instrument [player IX] is given a selection of pitches from which to choose on each repetition. 

The result is a piece which is self-similar but never identical and is harmonically constructed so as to alternate between dominant and tonic states.

Duration : Open [60 Minutes Suggested]

PERFORMANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

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Pocket Watch ticking may be pre-recorded.

Player IX

• Choose a note from the cluster for each cycle, repetition is permitted. 

• Gradually change dynamic between pp & mp over approx. 20 repetitions.

• At near to the agreed duration for the piece, play your final cycle.

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Remaining Players

• Start with the middle range option indicated and repeat as written. 

• Once the first two cycles are complete, distribute silent cycles 

   throughout approx. 50% of the remaining piece. 

• Move independently to a new octave every few minutes.

• Do not skip over the middle octave.

• Gradually and independently change dynamic between pp & mp over approx. 20 repetitions.

• At near to the agreed duration for the piece, play your final cycle. 

• Allow the pocket watch to continue for a number of seconds before ceasing its amplification, at which point the piece is complete.

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Video version performed and produced by the Magnetic State Ensemble