Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Henry Cowell
Rhythmicana (for orchestra)
- Associated Music Publishers Inc (World)
Programme Note
Related works:
A handful of Rhythmicons were built and preserved since Léon Theremin built the first instrument in 1931. In 1971, Leland Smith realized the Rhythmicon part of Rhythmicana on tape using a PDP10 computer. That realization is available as a two-channel WAV file for performances of Rhythmicana with orchestra.
The Rhythmicon part is on one channel (preceded by four tuning A notes for the orchestra). A pitched guide-track is on the other channel to aid in performance. The guide-track sometimes presents electronic renditions of most of the orchestra parts, at other times a single line.
A sample from the beginning of movement II:
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Rhythmicana for rhythmicon and orchestraNote:
Rhythmicana for piano
A handful of Rhythmicons were built and preserved since Léon Theremin built the first instrument in 1931. In 1971, Leland Smith realized the Rhythmicon part of Rhythmicana on tape using a PDP10 computer. That realization is available as a two-channel WAV file for performances of Rhythmicana with orchestra.
The Rhythmicon part is on one channel (preceded by four tuning A notes for the orchestra). A pitched guide-track is on the other channel to aid in performance. The guide-track sometimes presents electronic renditions of most of the orchestra parts, at other times a single line.
A sample from the beginning of movement II:
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Scores
Reviews
The concerto Rhythmicana results from Cowell's lifelong preoccupation with rhythmic exploration. An electronic machine developed with the creator of the Theremin, the rhythmicon could perform complicated polyrhythms yet proved unreliable. Today, a computer realizes the concerto's solo lines.
