For percussion duet Each player needs a mallet instrument (not necessarily Western) and some auxiliary percussion. STNCLS II offers friends the opportunity to make music together without long hours of rehearsal. Duration: ca. 5'
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Review from Percussive Notes (2021):
STNCLS 2
Paul Steg
Paul Steg’s percussion duet “STNCLS 2” is written in a similar manner to his percussion solo “STNCLS 1,” exclusively utilizing graphic notation. Composed for and premiered by G. Allen O’Connor and James Campbell in 1976, the piece requires two mallet instruments and any number of accessories, all of which are at the discretion of the performer. A great introduction to graphic notation, it is ideally suited for players with extensive chamber experience.
The score provides all the necessary information to decipher the notation, including dynamic variation, rhythmic density, pitch content, and improvisatory indications. Steg uses different shapes for each instrument group, as well as markings for implement changes. It is important to note that there are approximately 25 different symbols, so the initial phase of the learning process may be time consuming.
Each line of music is divided into three 5-second increments and is written in score form so both performers can follow each other’s gestures. While this is helpful in a chamber setting, it makes for several less-than-optimal page turns. Finally, some graphics cross over between players 1 and 2, suggesting that these gestures are continuous. I find this to be a tremendous learning opportunity for the performers and visually enticing for an audience. Overall, “STNCLS 2” has much to offer and is a worthwhile challenge for any percussion duo.
—Danielle Moreau
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