All scores are in .pdf format. If you would like to get a larger, better quality score and/or the tape parts for any of the pieces below contact me via email at m.frengel@neu.edu.
You are free to download and perform any of the pieces available here. Please let me know of any performances.
Mixed works [live instrument(s) and electronics]
Slinky, for steel string acoustic guitar and electronics (2004)
And Then, Romina...,
for prepared electric guitar and fixed electronics
And Then, Romina... explores various relationships between live guitar and pre-composed sound. Among these relationships is a concern for using electronics to extend both the timbral and performance possibilities of the live instrument. Through the use of special preparations of the instrument, extended performance techniques, and a concern for extension in the composition of the electronic part the hope is that this piece will challenge listeners expectations of electric guitar performance.
The 3 Faces of Karen Black, plus 1 face only for good measure,
for Bb clarinet and CD player
Karen Black is an actress that has appeared in numerous low budget films since the 1960's. The 3 Faces of Karen Black, plus 1 face only for good measure was composed at City University, London in 2000.
Dropped On My Head, Upside Down, for flute and tape
Dropped On My Head, Upside Down is No.11 in a series of works titled Polyrhythmic Modulation Studies. The player is given a sequence of modulations to play through, as well as a set of three notes to choose from for each modulation. The player may play through the sequence at any rate desired, and can repeat any of them, but must complete all of them. This piece juxtaposes the accuracy of transitions obtained by the computer with the inaccuracy of human performers.
Solo works
Blaze of glory,
for electric guitar (2008)
Bingo Variations,
for guitar (acoustic or electric) (2006)
The Space Between Things,
for guitar (electric or acoustic) (2003)
Piano Miniatures,
for piano
Ensemble works
It's all relative,
for percussion trio (2008)
With a sparkle in his eye,
for 1-3 electric guitars (2006)
Monochords,
for 4 one-string guitars
Monochords is No.7 in a series of works titled Polyrhythmic Modulation Studies. Using the tuning pegs the performers alter the tuning of the strings during temporal transitions. The tensions of the strings are related to the tempi. Faster tempi call for higher tuned notes and vice versa. The tuning of the strings together create chords, making the piece a progression that slowly shifts from one chord to another.
Twinkle Twinkle RockStar,
for 2 electric guitars
Twinkle Twinkle RockStar is No.10 in a series of works titled Polyrhythmic Modulation Studies. Most of the piece consists of natural harmonics up to the fifth. The guitars are retuned so that these harmonics create a tonal sense of D major. As with the other studies for live performers, the exact tempi are not indicated and are thought of as relative to the other player.
Woods, Metals, Skins,
for 3 percussionists
Woods, Metals, Skins is No.8 in a series of works titled Polyrhythmic Modulation Studies. The players slowly modulate between different rhythmic relationships. Exact tempi are not indicated, but are relative to the other players. The piece is orchestrated in two versions. In the first version each percussionist has three like-instruments, one player has three woods, one player has three metals, and one player has three skins. In the alternate version each player has one of each: one wood, one metal, and one skin. The two versions explore the differences between vertical and horizontal timbral homogeneity.
Campfire Music
Campfire Music is a collection of primarily text-based improvisation pieces composed for both musicians and non-musicians.