Tock

5’45”

composed 2011
commissioned and premiered by the Fresno State Wind Orchestra (Fresno, California)

Composer’s Note

Tock is a single movement work for concert band that uses percussion and asymmetrical rhythms to mimic the "tocking" of a broken clock (the first in a series of works by the composer that uses a broken clock for inspiration). The repetition of melodies and of motivic fragments are used to establish a regular pulse; however, while this pulse is steady, it is not even. A five-four time-signature, a syncopated bass line, and irregular phrases are all used to off-set the central beat of the music. Much like the clock, the end result is a dance that seems consistent but is in fact "broken."

Written for the Forest Grove High School Wind Ensemble.

Performances