BRIAN LEDWIDGE FLYNN
COMPOSITION • PRODUCTION • EDUCATION
"UHRMACHER"
for 12 musicians & amplified pocket watch
2024
ONLINE
"Score Follower" Selection
"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:
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.
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.
Video version performed and produced by the Magnetic State Ensemble