Eric Craven: Entangled States

Mary Dullea (Performer)

Research output: Non-textual formPerformance

Abstract

This is the premiere recording of a set of 48 pieces in low, middle and high order non-prescriptive notation, devised by composer Eric Craven. These performances examine the role of the performer in creating the performances triggered by this notation, in particular the high order works, the notation of which is pared down to the merest suggestions of pitch. It is not graphic, aleatoric or spatial notation just as it is not open form or free improvisation. The notes on the score are starting points for the performer with complete openness regarding the eventual performances. Herein lies the unexplored challenge: to address the role of the solo performer and the performer’s past experiences in bringing these performances to life. Each performance is determined by the approach of the pianist, in isolation, to the instrument and the score. There is no balance between prescriptive writing and freedom of choice in any one piece. Pre-determined choices can only go as far as general structure, mood, texture, motivic material, character and possible sense of duration.
The originality of this project is the devising of performances that are completely
unique yet possess a taut sense of structure, use of material and character. The order of the pieces is at the choice of the performer, further constructing the whole output. Significantly this project is a collaboration between the pianist, the suggested notations and the tacit knowledge of the performer. These recordings demonstrate how the pianist’s role is situated within their experiences and how these can be channeled into completely original and bold statements by taking inherent methods and understandings from a long solo and chamber music playing career. The process by which the performer almost becomes the composer in the moment is documented in these performances.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationOnline
PublisherMetier Divine Art
EditionMSV 28571
Media of outputCD
Sizedouble CD
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

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