Tight Weave
Bill Alves
About this work:
Tight Weave was inspired by my interest in the elaborate woven fabrics of West Africa, such as the Kente cloth of Ghana. Different patterns can be seen among the repetitions, depending on your perspective, knowledge of the various symbolic motifs, and the skill of the designer. In the same way, the polyrhythmic music of the region reflects the plurality of viewpoints amidst an overarching unity of spirit. In Tight Weave, this plurality is also represented through a kaleidoscope of different pentatonic modes and instrumental roles. I was also inspired by my study with master drummer Kobla Ladzepko at UCLA who taught me that, "In Africa, all drums talk." Each has its own story to tell, and yet each is a irreplaceable member of the tightly-woven community of sound.
Year composed: 2000
Duration: 00:07:00
Ensemble type: Band:Unknown
Instrumentation: 3 Flute, 1 Oboe, 3 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Alto Saxophone, 1 Tenor Saxophone, 1 Baritone Saxophone, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Euphonium/Tenor Tuba, 4 Percussion (General)
Instrumentation notes: Parts (except perc.) may be doubled. Perc 1: Woodblock, 2 bongos or high toms, triangle; Perc 2: 2 congas, 2 brake drums (similar metal instruments may be substituted); Perc. 3: low tom, 2 cowbells; Perc. 4: low drum, bass drum, 2 small muted gongs, tam-tam