<i>Rubble</i> (2025) - Pitch Sets (demo)
<p dir="ltr">The first half of <i>Rubble</i> follows a structured form, incorporating a digital score that presents 23 rotating pitch sets in real-time using action notation. The performer reads these ordered pitch sets (0:00 - 5:30), using bowed and plucked overtones to represent the textures of moss and rock, respectively. Improvisatory interludes also emerge in response to magnified elements of the composer photograph in the digital score. These close-ups appear within the rotating pitch set structure, and encourage an intuitive link back to the initial tactile experience.</p><p dir="ltr">In performance, the pitch sets are accompanied by an audio backing track, featuring a previous recording of the same pitch sets. <i>*Please note: </i>the audio heard in this pitch-set video is not the backing track. It is included only a demo to guide the overtone material. The backing track is uploaded as a seperate file in the collection <i>The earth remembers in grains</i>. </p><p dir="ltr">Each pitch set comprises a different grouping of overtones or open strings, each of which have emerged as a result of the plastibass preparations. These configurations were then ordered and notated into a specific structure for performance in the first half. The pitch sets are presented on an iPad, which the performer reads but does not share with the audience, using the same format as engaged in <i>Ice Bubbles </i>(2023). </p><p dir="ltr"><b>Pitch set parameters:</b></p><p dir="ltr">The four strings of the double bass are arranged vertically in the score image frame: from lowest (E string - left) to highest (G string - right). The recommended scordatura is Eb-A-D-F, creating subtle tonal variation to emphasise timbre rather than prescribed pitch output. </p><p dir="ltr">Partial numbers appear inside the coloured shapes, indicating nodal string placement. Orange arrows indicate a plucked harmonic with the right-hand, and green arrows indicate a plucked harmonic with the left-hand (using a fingerpick). They also indicate the direction in which to pluck or strum these sounds. Black arrows indicate an ordinary tone. Highlighted orange strings represent open strings, to be plucked with the right hand. </p><p dir="ltr">The performer improvises with each pitch set in performance, ensuring that all notes within each grouping are sounded at least once before the next appears in the digital score. A backing audio track guides the pacing of these pitch sets through following the same structure. </p><p>-------</p><p dir="ltr">Please note: this video score includes audio as a <i>demo</i> to connect the pitch sets with resulting overtone material. In performance, the score is played alongside a backing track, which is not included in this file. </p><p dir="ltr">Score Programming: Helen Svoboda</p>
