Lots of people have been finding creative ways of passing Lockdown.  One of my pieces was live streamed on last night. What a great varied programme it was, which is available here.  Sidereal Time is piano piece quite near the end but give the whole programme listen,

The composition, for midi piano and electronics, was inspired by John Cage and Conlon Nancarrow’s innovative piano music. John Cage spent 10 years or so exploring prepared piano, while Conlon Nancarrow explored tempo ramps and complex rhythms, programming on long punch rolls for barrel organ. This piece contains several parts which were progammed using LISP based algorithmic software. These include a solo part (which can be played on midi piano); an electronics or “computer” part which is designed to play the recorded sound files of prepared piano samples; and additional programmed parts bounced to sound files including extreme tempo curves. The sound files are triggered when certain notes are played in the solo part.

If any piano players want to play it please contact me.

Lights Out Listening group hosts a bi-monthly listening event featuring sound art, experimental music, radio art, It usually meets in Glasgow, but just now its streaming until Lockdown lifts.  

I composed for the Edinburgh University 10x10x20 event in February.  It involves composers who are either attending or Alumni of the University an participating HE universities as well as animators each composing a composition of film a day. Quite a challenge.  The animations are, of necessity, short. They are very time consuming to make.  The composing felt equally challenging as work needed to be fitted in with general life but couldn't be put off.  Late nights involved and by the end of it my eyes felt gritty having had so little sleep!

It was very worthwhile and interesting.  

After the first day (when we had to compose blind having not seen any of the films) you could choose which ones to pick.  I thought I might put a few of the films up here.  

Equally it was interesting to see animators choose bit of music.  

One of my short pieces was chosen by at least 3 animators.  Here they are below.  

This first film was the one I chose to set my music to, a lovely  animation called headlights.

​The next film, Forbidden Light, is by Maria Pashova and beautifully suits the music too.

​The third animation os different again but equally lovely by Lina Kerr. i think you'll recognise the music by now