OPUS
Nicholas Chase
About this work:
OPUS is an experiment in further integrating the turntable into the acoustic ensemble while attempting to leave behind styles specific to the genres of hip-hop/rap and scratch DJs. I began with this idea in Sp!t (2000), challenging the obvious obstacles of notation and the almost guaranteed inconsistent result of each turntable performance. Since synthesizing what I learned in the composing of Sp!t and spending more time with the turntables myself, I have learned to approach the turntable with both a more improvisational ideal as well as a more specific expectation as to the outcome of a given performance. As with any instrument, one develops skill and 'ear' with time and practice. In the case of both Sp!t and OPUS the turntable part is strictly composed with some space for improvisation. In OPUS however, I have left even more room for the exploration of sounds found on specific LPs. I have also developed a common sonic vocabulary for the acoustic ensemble and the turntables.
Version: 1
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:20:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Cello, 2 Turntable(s)
Instrumentation notes: Flute doubles with Bass Flute; Clarinet doubles with Bass Clarinet