Singleton: Be Natural
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- Composer: Alvin Singleton (1940-)
- Format: Performance Score
- Instrumentation: Any Instrument
- Work: Be Natural
- ISMN:
- Size: 12.0 x 8.9 inches
- Pages: 12
Description
Improvisation is at the core of Alvin Singleton's gorgeous string trio Be Natural (1974), its title a pun on the B-natural note that is passed around throughout the piece but is always droning, a groaning river flowing underneath jittery textures... near the end, a ferocious duet for viola and cello gave way to a passage of music that was quiet, mellow, simply gorgeous. - Zachary Woolfe, The New York Times
Be Natural is a work for any three bowed stringed instruments. It brings into the Singleton list of works one featuring improvisation by the players. The score in essence calls for a game involving musical elements, none of which are in traditional notation. None, that is except for the pitch B natural a half step below middle C, which must be sounded and held by at least one musician throughout the piece. Additionally the rules of this game call for each player to perform the pictogrammed notational requirements indicated in 9 different "boxes," calling for "loud" or "soft" "long" or "short" notes and passages to be improvised against the constantly-sounded B natural. of course all 3 musicians sounding the B simultaneously for a long time, which happens at both beginning and ending of the piece, can also have a surprisingly psycho-musical effect on the listener. An early work by Singleton, it reflects an experimental trust in the musicality of the performing artists, much as choreographers when they set up situations that allow their dancers to come up with movements consistent with the spirit of their pieces. But the piece has met with consistent success since its world premiere in Darmstadt, Germany, where it won the 1974 Kranichsteiner musikpreis awarded annually by the city of Darmstadt. and in addition to this high praise, Singleton reports that the work has been performed by elementary school children and sounded wonderful—quite a feat for contemporary music! Needless to say, no two performances of Be Natural will ever be the same. – Carman Moore
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Singleton: Be Natural
