For amplified tam tam A single contact microphone attached with masking tape to the back of a 28" to 32" tam tam, then amplified, provides the sound source for this remarkable timbral study. A great recital piece for the college or professional player! Duration: ca. 6'
Review from Percussive Notes:
Rich O’Donnell – Microtimbre
“Microtimbre I” is a solo for amplified tam tam and utilizes graphic notation. According to the composer, the piece was created primarily to study the timbral possibilities of the instrument. As the work progresses, the general timbre shifts from dark to bright. It requires a single contact microphone tapped to the backside of the tam tam and a variety of implements including a wire brush, bicycle spoke, cello bow, soft beater, and fingers. At approximately six minutes in length, it is most appropriate for collegiate or professional performers.For those interested in graphic scores, “Microtimbre I” is worth your time. O’Donnell uses pictograms to indicate implement requirements and a seven-line staff as the basis for the work. The areas of the tam tam directly correlate with the bottom five lines in the staff, while the remaining two lines are reserved for rubbing the instrument with a finger. O’Donnell also requires the performer to manipulate the microphone during the piece, creating muffled sounds and vibrato effects. Despite the detail within the score, the performer is free to determine the density of note clusters and space between each gesture. Though I found the performance notes to be very informative, I wanted more clarification on how the tam tam should be positioned for concerts. For example, O’Donnell’s comments on execution suggest the instrument needs to be played on the backside so that the performer can touch the microphone and bow the sharp edge. However, some notations within the score suggest striking it on the frontside. Experimentation on behalf of the player is required in order to determine how best to achieve the desired sounds. “Microtimbre I” is definitely a unique work and guaranteed “crowd-pleaser” due to its timbral exploration of the tam tam.
—Danielle Moreau
