China Gem
Michael Robinson
About this work:
China Gem is the last piece composed for my first MIDI sound module. (Purple Clouds on my CD titled, The Forest, is the first piece composed for this instrument in 1989. It was followed by Giant Leaves on my Hamoa CD in compositional sequence.)
Named for a jewelry store sign I noticed while visiting San Francisco, the music incorporates some Indian tabla rhythms, making this the first of my compositions to demonstrate the influence of my studies with Harihar Rao. The music begins and ends with mysterious chords, building to a poly-rhythmic climax in-between.
- Michael Robinson, December 1999, Lahaina
© 1999 Michael Robinson All rights reserved
Year composed: 1994
Duration: 00:04:01
Ensemble type: Electronic Instruments and Sound Sources:Live Electronic Sound Sources
Instrumentation: ,1 Computer/Laptop soloist(s), ,1 Sampler (Keyboard/Other) soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: A computer and sound module are programmed to perform the fully notated composition in real time. China Gem is voiced with samples of the following acoustical timbres using equal temperment tuning: violin, organ, timpani, percussion and electric piano. A synthesizer timbre is also used.