First Spectrum of the Contrabass

for contrabass
2002
12 minutes

The spectrum of light from an astronomical body reveals the body’s chemical composition, as different elements and compounds produce lines of absorption at characteristic frequencies. These frequencies of light are governed by the differences in energy levels of electrons orbiting the nuclei of constituent atoms. In its simplest form, the equation which describes the motion of electrons around the nucleus also describes the motion of a vibrating string.

This experimental piece resulted from of a request by contrabassist Christopher Williams to rethink the instrument and its physical capabilities without the constraint of traditional technique, and his willingness to cultivate techniques necessary to produce the resulting music. This piece makes extensive use of harmonics up to the eleventh partial, in all their locations on the string, and other extended techniques.

17×11 PDF score and parts set
$10

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