Composer

:

Jackson Mac Low

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1967

Average_duration

:

3:17

'Young Turtle Asymmetries' is a musical composition by Jackson Mac Low, an American poet, composer, and performance artist. The piece was composed in 1964 and premiered in New York City in the same year. It is a part of Mac Low's larger body of work in experimental music, which often incorporated chance operations and indeterminacy. The composition consists of four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is titled "Turtle Dreams" and features a slow, meditative melody played on a piano. The second movement, "Turtle Music," is more lively and features a variety of percussive instruments, including maracas, tambourines, and woodblocks. The third movement, "Turtle Chant," is a vocal piece that incorporates chanting and spoken word. The final movement, "Turtle Hocket," is a complex rhythmic piece that features interlocking patterns played on a variety of instruments. One of the defining characteristics of 'Young Turtle Asymmetries' is its use of chance operations. Mac Low used a variety of techniques to introduce randomness into the composition, including the use of dice and the I Ching. This approach allowed for a high degree of unpredictability in the final product, and each performance of the piece is unique. Another notable aspect of the composition is its use of asymmetry. Mac Low intentionally created imbalances in the rhythms and melodies of the piece, which gives it a sense of unpredictability and instability. This approach was influenced by the work of composer John Cage, who was a mentor and collaborator of Mac Low. Overall, 'Young Turtle Asymmetries' is a complex and challenging piece of experimental music that showcases Mac Low's innovative approach to composition. Its use of chance operations and asymmetry make it a unique and unpredictable work that continues to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike.

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