Tetractys Study is a completely graphic score inspired by the ancient 10-pointed Pythagorean symbol of the same name, which is often used to represent the first four small-number tuning ratios that create the most consonant musical intervals. This score, unlike many of my previous compositions, does not use traditional notation. Instead, I created a series of fifteen charcoal and graphite sketches that performers react to in the moment and simultaneously choose how to musically interact with the other members of the group. The images impose no restrictions or expectations on the sound world that will be produced, and the musical results are infinitely variable depending on the participants and images selected for the performance. The sketches allow the performers to create music in new ways that are not limited by one’s ability to read a traditional score.

Tetractys Study can be installed as a gallery piece as well as performed live.

Performance notes:

Performance 1: 1-10 participants. Players should form a triangle or circle with a music stand in front of each player. Each player chooses a single page to place on a music stand and perform. All players begin together. When a player has sufficiently performed their page, pass the page to the next player to the right or left (determined before the performance). The player that receives the new page may perform the new page or continue to perform their original page. Once this player has performed their own page, they have the option of passing either the old or new page, or keeping the pages for the remainder of the performance. The player that passes a page waits silently until receiving a new page, or may perform freely in a manner that elaborates on the original page. Players should always listen to each other.

Performance 2: Any number of players. Any formation. All players decide on only 1 page to perform and all players perform the same page for the duration of the performance. This image may be projected on a wall.

Performance 3: _______________