UC Berkeley

Stream is a composition for solo violin with variable ensemble. The score consists of a fixed part for solo violin along with a collection of one-page parts for the variable ensemble. This includes parts for flute, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, percussion, piano, violin/viola, cello, contrabass and a multi-channel electronic part, to be performed using a program designed for performance in Max/ MSP.

This piece addresses an assortment of compositional practices, thereby blurring the lines between them. Elements of the notation vary in specificity, creating an ambiguity of constrained improvisation and detailed instruction. Similarly, the relationship between soloist and accompaniment suggests a simultaneously fixed composition, improvisation and open-form work. The variability of the ensemble is an extension of this modular, open-form practice.

Stream was written for the sfSound ensemble and premiered on August 28, 2011 at ODC Theater, San Francisco, using a subset of six instrumental parts. The sfSound ensemble is comprised of musicians who specialize in both improvised music and meticulously notated scores. It was written with their abilities in mind, but also with the ability to be approachable to ensembles of non- improvisers.