Duration: 8 minutes
About
Propagations is divided into three short movements:
"Algorithmics," in which a process gradually transforms three
conjunct lines into a single melodic voice; "Cycles," which slowly
repeats and alters a small number of gestures, eventually reaching a screaming
climax; and "Alternations," which begins with a free quasi-cadenza
and then recalls earlier thematic material in the context of a new ostinato and
melody.
The piece makes use of several extended techniques
for clarinet, including the extreme high and low registers of the instrument,
bends, sung multiphonics, slap-tonguing, and harmonics.
Propagations was written for bass clarinetist Evan Ziporyn.