AUDIO

These are excerpts of pieces and circulations recorded in February 2007.

All Good Things

Circulation in D major

Creatively named by Anthony, this is a circulation using the D major scale. We went for a softer tone by picking with the thumb. The arrangement consists of a slow beginning developing into the middle section in which each player plays their note three times, followed by a return to a faster single-note part. The voice at the beginning is Jacek's.

Don't Fidget, Midget

Circulation in C harmonic minor

This is part of a circulation using the C harmonic minor scale.

The Growing Circle

Written by Paulo Marcon

A recording of a run-through during rehearsals, before the studio was set up.

Slow Motion Revealed

Circulation in C harmonic minor

A slow circulation initially, followed by a more up-tempo section (excerpt).

The Boat To Torcello

Written by Chris Smith

This piece is completely arranged and involves each player around the circle adding their part as their turn comes. When all players are in, the second parts begin. Then, when all second parts are established, each player drops out in turn.

Two Chords From Hell

Circulation in C harmonic minor

Circulations often end with one or more chords. Sometimes they're beautiful, sometimes so-so, sometimes like these.

Visitors

Circulation in C harmonic minor

Yet another circulation in C harmonic minor but this one has a contribution from the neighbours. This is a hazard of recording in a domestic environment.

So, what are circulations?

The basic idea is that a note moves around the circle with each player choosing which one to play, within some pre-defined constraints. For example, we might decide to use the A harmonic minor scale. This restricts the set of notes we can choose from but leaves all other aspects of the circulation free for the group to improvise i.e. tempo or register etc. We might also decide an overall arrangement such as: slow section, fast middle, slow and short final section. The nominated circulation leader would decide the right moment to make a transition and can signal this with a brief pause. The leader can also decide whether to end with one or more chords in which all players contribute a note of their choice. It's up to the leader to decide which is the 'right' final chord.

Recording Equipment

PHOTOS

VIDEO

This is a video of a C Harmonic Minor circulation run-through. It can be downloaded here (Mac OS or Linux users may need something like the VLC media player to play the WMV file). Note that the video has been solarised.

Here's the YouTube version of the same video:


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