Study No. 4 - double canon
Study No. 4 - double canon is conceived to be played outside in an open space. The saxophones should play together facing the audience surrounding them. The trombones are behind the audience, a large distance apart from each other, perhaps 50-60 meters across, and each ca. 25-30 meters from the saxophone group. The piece should not be conducted. The performers play from a performance score and coordination between the two groups is purely aural.The intonation is based on a 3/5/7/11/13 limit Otonality, as used by Harry Partch. Since it is highly unlikely that the players will have the time learn the tuning exactly – nor might it be possible to hear each other at the distance so well – , it is suggested that the players use tunes (certainly the trombonist). In addition, approximations of the tuning is given using 1/8 and 1/4 tones in combination with + and - signs. The exact cent deviation from equal temperment, a tuning system in which no saxophonist or trombonist has ever tuned exactly, but the tuner gives as a reference. In the first 6 pages, the two quartets play independently of each other regarding tempi, meter and baring. Therefore the entrances of the groups are marked with numbers 1 to 14 in circles to aid in rehearsals. Starting at page 9, measure 15, the two groups are conventionally coordinated, notated on the same page, and the bar numbers not encircle