Cantaloupe Music
Michael Gordon‘s new work, “Timber”, is scored for six wooden 2x4s, each cut into different sizes, giving each one a slightly different pitch. Called a “simantra”, this percussion instrument was first devised by composer Iannis Xenakis. Far from a gimmick, the instrumentation allows Gordon to create the impression that the sound is traveling around and through the room by subtly shifting the accent of sound from one player to another. The result is a meditation on sound and rhythm, bringing the physicality, endurance and technique of percussion performance to a new level.
Physical copies of “Timber” have been packaged in special wooden boxes. Cut to near standard CD size in length and width, but made out of medium-density fibreboard an inch thick, each weighs approximately one pound.