For solo percussion The natural attractiveness of percussion instruments is enhanced by painting colorful target shapes on the drum head surfaces. This theatre piece uses mirrors and stage lighting to create unique, dramatic effects. Instrumentation: three triangles, two suspended cymbals, gong, brake drum, thundersheet, tambourine, snare, tenor and bass drums, two wood blocks, two wood boxes and four small tunable drums. Duration: ca. 8-10 minutes.
Review from Percussive Notes:
STNCLS
Paul Steg
“STNCLS,” written in 1976 by Paul Steg, is an aleatoric piece for “any mallet instrument with accessory percussion.” A search on YouTube produced no recordings or videos of the work. The piece may also be performed on prepared or un-prepared piano.
The notation is completely graphic, consisting of wavy lines punctuated by other graphic symbols including triangles and circles. The vertical dimension of the score indicates relative pitch, except for notes in the box (which indicates free improvisation on the accessory instruments). The horizontal dimension indicates approximate time in minutes and seconds. Timings are indicated along the horizontal plane. Other notations indicate things like dynamic levels and crescendo/diminuendo, “fast group,” and “sustain to arrow,” along with other symbols for the accessory percussion instruments.
Needless to say, performances of this piece will vary greatly depending on the instruments used and the interpretation of the player. Pieces like this were popular in the 1960s and ’70s but seemed to go out of favor near the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Now there may be a new interest in this music, as everything old is new again.
—Tom Morgan
Want it now? Click here to download a digital copy of this product.
Demo:
