Voices

for contrabass (2013; 15 min.)

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In Voices, the bass speaks in many ways. The first movement is an homage to sub- Saharan African music; paper is wound between the strings, evoking the buzzing sounds beloved in many of that continent’s musical traditions. The strings are retuned for the second movement, in which swaying chords of overtones lead to an intense lyrical outpouring. The forceful, propulsive finale involves the most voices- pizzicato, arco, snap pizzicato, notes plucked with a bass guitar pick- and ends with an apotheosis of the first movement’s music.

Recording: MIDI Realization