Refractions (1991)

This piece explores the concept of "hyperinstruments."   A hyperinstrument possesses a wide range of pitch, timbre, and expressive qualities.   In this medium, the definition of a musical instrument expands.   Musicians interact with a computer to produce sonic effects of orchestral proportions and to control the shape of the composition.   Each member of the ensemble functions as a conductor as well as a performer.   Unlike performances with prerecorded tape, the "accompanist" is "aware" of interpretive nuances and, at the signal of the human musician, reacts and contributes to the discourse.   The Prism Saxophone Quartet commissioned the first version of this work in 1989 and their name suggested the title as well as much of the composition process.    As a prism transforms light, the computer and synthesizers illuminate and transform the music played by the performers.  

Although the piece was written for a quartet of Yamaha WX7 MIDI wind controllers, the revised version of 1991 can be performed by any number of musicians up to sixteen.   The version submitted with the OAC applicatuion is for solo MIDI Horn.   This version will be released shortly on Opus One Records.

Please note that "Refractions" is a structured improvisation.   There is no score for the solo version.   The structure of the piece is embodied in a computer program that responds to the music played by the solist.