PING (1968)
Fl, Perc (Harmonium, Bowed Tam Tam, Bowed Cymbal), Pf, 35mm slide projections by Karen Reynolds, 16mm film by the composer (1968) [currently restored by Ross Karre (2011)], Quadraphonic electroacoustic sound, live electronic processing
Liner notes by Peter Yates
Primary Artist(s): Roger Reynolds, Piano; Karen Reynolds, Flute; Paul Chihara,
Percussion; Alan Johnson, Electronics; Yuji Takahashi, Piano; Lin Barron, Cello
Label: Composers Recording, Inc. CRI SD 285
Dates of recording: 1972
Recording: James Campbell
About:
These recordings were made at the University of California, San Diego, where Reynolds had just taken up a position. The project was sponsored by an award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, of which Reynolds was the winner in 1971.
“The conception of PING evolved during a two-year germination period, {and] includes three elements: [a] Beckett text on 160 slides designed by Karen Reynolds; a film; and combined instrumental, taped, and electronic sound. PING is the first break in the composer’s commitment to fully defined, ornamental textures. The piece is without score, although the individual parts are detailed.
Traces follows a more abstract succession of instrumental [sections], the pockets of predefined order being gradually more localized, the temporal and sensory content expanding in importance…. The total effect of the work – highly ordered concentrations of events strung along extended and formless strands of sound – necessitates dwelling upon these reflective trailings-away of selected elements from each movement after its organized detail is completed. The two pieces … were composed to complement one another.”
