THE NUCLEAR FAMILY-
A PROPOSAL FOR AN ONGING ENSEMBLE
Thoughout the
east, much of the music was thought to be centered around what is
called a nuclear melody or nuclear theme. This now appears to not
be a clear as once thought.
The concept was a fixed melodic sequence in which traditionally
different instruments take up different levels of presenting or
elaborating this outline, usually determined by preexisting rules or
possibly one could say roles. The concept behind this group is to
dispel with these roles and for the time being allow a more democratic
equality between the parts. Each player is directed to play
certain notes at certain times ( this being the nuclear theme) but
between the sounding of these tones, one can embellish this nuclear
theme as ones instincts leads one. It is understood that the goal is
ensemble playing as opposed to the group being a back up for soloist,
although this option is open. Hopefully the process will determine the
future and direction of this music and it is hope that a certain
critical
imagination will help develop a freedom of expression that benefits the whole.
This ensemble of instruments built to a tuning called meta
slendro. This tuning is one in which it is difficult to produce what is
heard as wrong notes hence why it is chosen.
these are the instruments available and it might require people
reserving an instrument, or much might be learned by rotating or
rotating for some.
12 Meru Bars- 12 bass bars which might have to be restricted not to over power others
3 VIBRAPHONES
former Deagan , 3 octaves F to F
Former ludwig/leedy 3 octaves C to C
former Jenco . 2 octaves and a fourth C-F
3 MARIMBAS /
former Deagan , 4 octaves C to C
former Brock , 2 octaves F and a fifth, F to C
smaller unknown 2 octaves and a fourth C-F
2 bowed psalteries.
I four octave Pump Organ
traditional western instruments capable of playing in this tuning.
possibly with the addition of percussion ( tabla might be perferred)
voice
Optional:
hammer dulcimers in limited use)
optional 2 koto like instruments
other percussion