Steven Mackey: Busted, Micro-Concerto & Five Animated Shorts

Featuring

Tim Williams
Conrad Marshall
Dov Goldberg
Richard Casey
David Routledge
Jennifer Langridge

Nicholas Kok
Psappha New Music Ensemble
Steven Mackey

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Compositional Technique

For his Micro-Concerto, Steven Mackey invented both the instruments and playing techniques, learning to play every measure himself on a setup of 'legit' instruments, toys, and kitchen utensils.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Composer Steven Mackey describes his music as having a generally optimistic outlook, with influences from rock and world music, and a willingness to use the electric guitar.

Performer Biography

Psappha, the ensemble performing on this album, was formed in 1991 by its Artistic Director and percussionist Tim Williams, specializing in music by living composers and 20th/21st-century works.

Composition History

The idea for Steven Mackey's 'Five Animated Shorts' for cimbalom and mixed ensemble came from percussionist Tim Williams, who knew Mackey was sympathetic to 'underdog' instruments.

Recording & Production

This recording marks another milestone in Steven Mackey's long collaboration with Psappha, which began in 1998 and includes a two-week tour and commissioned works.

Performer Biography

Tim Williams, the percussionist on this album and Artistic Director of Psappha, taught himself to play the cimbalom, a Hungarian national instrument, and is now one of few concert cimbalom players outside Hungary.

Compositional Technique

In 'Five Animated Shorts', the cimbalom's primary effect is to transform the familiar modern music group into something exotic, with its timbre relating to the piano as both are struck with felt hammers.