This sampler allows users to click on Tudor’s performances of selected notations from No. 1 from Bussotti’s Five Piano Pieces for David Tudor. Most of the “notes” in this piece are open circles, which, according to Bussotti’s specifications, direct the pianist to touch piano keys without intentionally sounding them. Bussotti’s notation is effectively a form of tablature, indicating which fingers should be used, but not specifying exact keys to be touched. In executing these gestures, of course, Bussotti knew that certain sounds would be made inadvertently, and he accepted and embradced this indeterminacy as part of his composition. The filled noteheads in his score indicate pitches to be played in a traditional manner. The result is a performance that is generally quiet, and indicative of the physical movement of Tudor’s hands. Users can also consult Tudor’s realization of No. 1, which transcribes Bussotti’s score into a more legible format.
Used by permission of Hal Leonard. Score sampler developed by Michael Gallope and produced by Greg Albers.
