Tyranny, Depending
Steve Layton
About this work:
For two pianos, one "normal" and the other "prepared" with certain objects affecting the strings, and two players at each piano. The title refers to the piece's imperious, impetuous tone, but is also a bit of a tribute to the gifted pianist and improvisor "Blue" Gene Tyranny, whose work so often underpins the multimedia operas of Robert Ashley. The normal and prepared timbres of the two pianos crash through a number of block-like contrasting elements.
Year composed: 2001
Duration: 00:03:38
Ensemble type: Keyboard:Two Pianos, 4 or More Hands
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: One piano prepared, the other normal, each with two players.