Lasst Uns Erfreuen

Music derived from “Lasst uns erfreuen” (Let us rejoice), German hymn tune, 1623,

In this piece, as well as in many others I have (re)composed over the past several years, I have sought to render the “gravity” of certain musical rules governing the mysterious marriage of the vertical and horizontal aspects of melody, harmony, and rhythm, obsolete, or at least irrelevant.

Performers play one note at a time, for as long as they desire, before moving to the next one. No effort is made to coordinate the vertical world of harmony, and thus the harmonic content is left to circumstance and individual decision. The result is a sort of four-part, chorale-like texture as it may be heard in a black hole, where the laws of physics and gravity are not as we know them. What would music sound like in a black hole? Harmonious, or discordant? Does it matter?

The instrumentation is open. Our performance will include E-bowed Electric Guitar, Flute, Melodica, Tenor Sax, Violin, Keyboard, Bass Guitar, and Suspended Cymbal.

(from the programs notes of the May, 2018 Concerts by the Webster University New Music Ensemble, St. Louis, Missouri)

This piece is presented in two versions. Both were performed live.

1) Live at the CMS Concert Hall, Webster University, St. Louis. MO., May, 5, 2018. Performed by The Webster University New Music Ensemble

2) Live Gaslight Studio Version. Performed by The Webster University New Music Ensemble on May 1st, 2018 at Gaslight, St. Louis, MO.. Engineered and recorded by Mark Cange. Mixed by Duane Bridges



Three Songs from "The Invisible World"
for plant and other instruments

Text by Blueberry Morningsnow

I. poem written on a rock
II. For Joy
III. the song of human beings

Performed by Duane Bridges
Voice: Blueberry Morningsnow

(texts)

I. poem written on a rock

no one knew who

(including the sun)

would be everyone


II. For Joy

This is a note to say everything.

Hello, hello.

Does it mean your heart is water?

Does it mean I am waterfall?

Yes.


III. the song of human beings

this is the song of human beings

who once lived on earth

let me write everything

in the air the earth is spinning

what is loneliness again?




(Bonus Notes from the Desk of Duane Bridges)

Apology E-Mail for Late Program Notes

Dear Sir-

I won't be able to get you notes in the next hour. However, if you could get the texts printed in the program, that'd be enough for me. I can print out a few notes on my own to hand out if necessary.

The texts have been recorded by the poet herself and will be on the laptop.

I am still "auditioning" plants to find the best one for this performance, so I can't tell you exactly which one though I am leaning toward a Fittonia "Juanita" plant.

I will likely be playing Electric Guitar w/ E-Bow, piano, and maybe various percussion (wind chimes, cymbals)....In this plant music business, a lot depends on the plant and how "active" it is. There will be a certain element of improvisation involved, depending on the plant's performance that day.

Anyway, hope this info helps. I know it is somewhat vague, but that's the nature of this one!! (which is kind of exciting for me!)

Thanks,
Duane

(composers note: I chickened out of the Electric Guitar on this one).

Recorded live at Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University, St. Louis. MO., Jan. 28, 2018, by John Thomas.