Broken Cello (2009)
A piece for solo cello for performance with a recording of itself, playing in 1-2 devices set on continuous random play. The piece may also be performed by 2-4 players, with or without the recording(s).
The core concept is the idea that individual elements of a system (a 'universe'), even if broken off and separated from the whole, can recreate the integrity of the whole through random permutations. Remixing works on this principle where fragmented samples create new works while inheriting their individual histories.
View Score
The Player
Starting each of the three players below will create a stereo mix approximation of the randomization of three audio sources playing the same 31 tracks. Experiment with starting the players at different tracks. Unfortunately these YouTube players do not shuffle play as embedded. They run sequentially track-to-track, but you can achieve some degree of 'false' randomization with manual manipulation. The longer the 31 tracks continously loop, the more the players will drift out of sync and seem more random, even though they are still playing in sequence.
It is not recommended to use more than one instance of the Loops playlist as the rhythms will clash.
If you have three separate systems (computer/smartphone), you can set them to run discretely (the intended use).
Open all in separate tabs as "discrete" systems (set to shuffle/repeat):
Notes and Phrases (System 1)
Notes and Phrases (System 2)
Loops (System 3)
