Program Note Transformations, for prepared solo vibraphone (composed 2011) draws its inspiration from the rich legacy of music for prepared piano. The four movements are named for composers whose innovative work transformed the sound and compositional approach of solo piano music. Three prominent 20th Century composers, Henry Cowell, John Cage, and George Crumb, each created a substantial repertoire for piano utilizing this approach. The fourth movement of this work recognizes two contemporary performer/composers continuing to expand this tradition, Erik Griswold of Australia and Andre Gribou of the United States.
Transformations for solo prepared vibraphone explores these sonic ideas on the vibraphone, creating a unique instrumental sound. Each movement is influenced by the compositional structure, notational style, and timbral innovations of its namesake composer. Other aspects of the composition are derived from each composer’s name— including time signature and pitch implications. Transformations seeks to utilize these influences to transform the sound and compositional approach of the vibraphone just as the innovations of Cowell, Cage, Crumb, Griswold, and Gribou transformed the piano.
