Canvas in Real Time

I participated in a 24 hour Composition Festival over the weekend. Starting this past Friday at 2pm, we were assigned what to write for and had to give the title of our piece within our choice of themes. Our composition had to be in the hands of the performer(s) by 2pm on Saturday after which, no communication with the performer(s) was allowed. They then had 24 hours to work the piece up for the recital on Sunday.

The last two times a group of people read my music has not been a good experience. With that in mind, and not knowing the playing level of my group (I was assigned a Reed Quintet), my goal was to make it a good experience. I purposely did not include anything extremely challenging, no extended techniques. Most entrances on the beat with a steady pulse throughout so as to keep performers from getting lost. Being a full-time husband/father, I did not have 24 hours to write - I had 8 hours, if that. With all that in mind, I kept the writing very 'economical'.

Glad to report that my goal was met! I was not embarrassed for myself and/or the performers - they performed it well! If I had known their playing level was higher, I would have made it more challenging. As soon as I get an audio recording of it, I'll update this post. Until then, a MIDI Realization will have to suffice.