| Programme notes: | A Ballad in Time and Space at first glance appears to be quite improvisational, with its lack of standardized rhythmic notation; however, the elapsed time indications and equal-time divisions of the measures are actually more than normal notation could ever be. While great rhythmic accuracy can be achieved with this type of notation, the composer has in this case directed that the time indications are for general reference only and the performer may take some liberty with the printed part.
In A Ballad in Time and Space Duckwork has made use of key noise, controlled vibrato, blowing of air sounds, multiphonics and several two note combinations, some producing a beating interaction between the tones, others with more stable pure tones. A unique effect occurs at the very end of the compositions, where the saxophonist is instructed to play the last four intervals into the piano. The sympathetic vibration of the piano strings sustains each of the various intervals, piling them up on top of each other into a tonal cluster. Many of his techniques have now become a standard part of writing for the saxophone.
- Frederick Hemke |
