Music & Techniques by Chris Vaisvil

The Dramatic Squirrel Overture

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The Dramatic Squirrel Overture is an improvisation in 10 EDO using an AXiS 49 played in the orientation pictured. (Watch out for the really high piccolo notes!!) An interesting effect of working with an AXiS is that each tuning system you us produces different usable patterns or a pattern like a diagonal line, produces harmonies at could or could not be useful (in your musical context). In 10 edo diagonals produce what I think are some lovely dramatic chords. So to improvise this piece I loaded up two copies of Garritan Personal Orchestra 4 with each individual brass and woodwind instrument available, full strings, timpani and basic orchestral percussion. I’m starting to like 10 edo a lot. It seems to have a strong voice which appeals to me. Of course your mileage may vary. As always – I’m happy to hear your thoughts.

Have a Great day,

Chris

P.S.
Here is the organ version requested in the comments:

Comments

6 responses to “The Dramatic Squirrel Overture”

  1. joel taylor

    The Dramatic Squirrel Orchestra is a riot! Shades of late Stravinsky and Xenakis. Pretty damn great. Both this piece and the piece for two violas and gongs are fine work. Congratulations!

  2. jlsmith

    Unbelievable. Organs are temperamental* at best and will — with certain registrations — eat up a tuning or temperament and spit it out. Ten edo holds up well here in this amazing rendition. Great job and a nice display of compositional flair!

    I have a technical question or three re: GPO & MIDI, please contact me off list at your convenience.

    Best,
    jls

    *this may be a pun…tests are being conducted

  3. admin

    Thank you very much for your listen comment! Let me work up a pipe organ version for you.

    And here it is: Overture for Organ and Percussion

    All the best,

    Chris

  4. jlsmith

    Chris,

    I just popped in to say how much I loved this piece. It also sounds well-suited as a pipe organ performance. Brilliant, as usual.

    Warmest,
    jls

  5. admin

    Steve, your comment is the most unusual I’ve received so far and I respect what you are saying. Feel free to post a link when you complete your piece – I’ll even host it for you if you need that. I’m very curious as to what your piece will sound like.

    Take Care,

    Chris

  6. Steve Martin

    My mileage agrees – I like 10-edo. I have not completed a non-12 piece yet, but I think 10-edo is my best bet – so I’m deliberately not listening to yours yet, sorry!

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