Composed by Steve Kornicki

TEMPO DISTORTION #1, for flute, 2 violins and glockenspiel (2006)
(Dedicated to the NEW YORK MINIATURIST ENSEMBLE)

Download MIDI version (7MB MP3)

TEMPO DISTORTION #1 is a study for four independent instrumental lines, each with their own tempo indications. The violins and glockenspiel very gradually speed up and slow down at various points. The flute remains at a single tempo throughout. There is no master score, only the four parts.

The music consists entirely of eighth note patterns that repeat for various indicated lengths. Harmonically, the piece is based upon a six-note scale (C, D, E, F, G, A) that is used exclusively throughout, giving the piece a modal and primal sound quality.

In performance, all players begin together and do not attempt to rhythmically synchronize with each other. A multi-layered structure of continually morphing polyrhythms is heard as the final result.

Music, text and concepts © 2006 Steve Kornicki