CDXXX. NANCARROW, Conlon: Study for Player Piano #5

CDXXX. NANCARROW, Conlon (1912-1997)

Study for Player Piano #5 (1948-60)
(3:08)

Twelve independent strata are presented; each consisting of a sequence of elements -- many of them complex aggregates -- which is repeated periodically throughout the piece. In some strata, this repetition is constant, while in others the period is progressively shortened. The texture gradually crosses the "perceptual threshold" beyond which a multiplicity of individual parts coalesces into a single resultant sonority, finally becoming a virtual "white noise" before coming to an abrupt halt. In addition to single tones and octaves, these aggregates include triads, arpeggios, glissandos, miscellaneous figures and both two- and three-note chords of various kinds.