Hammers and Bows

various artists compilation - Hammers and Bows

Pianos are used in unique ways on this album. The track on side 1, "Phases" by Robert Morris, "is designed to distribute the sound of two pianos over a wider space, and to move it around in that space by electronic means" according to the liner notes. Side 2 is occupied by Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith's composition "Five Sonorous Inventions" divided into five separate inventions (or tracks). A performer opens a piano and bows the piano strings with specially designed bows to create new sounds from the instrument. Not only does "Five Sonorous Inventions" composes a new approach to playing the piano, but also has some really cool sounds.

Performers:

Phases: William Albright and Robert Morris - pianos

Five Sonorous Inventions: Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - piano; Gerald Fischbach - violin

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Robert Morris - Phases {15:41}

Side 2

1. Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - Five Sonorous Inventions: First Invention {3:08}

2. Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - Five Sonorous Invnetions: Second Invention {3:27}

3. Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - Five Sonorous Invnetions: Third Invention {2:39}

4. Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - Five Sonorous Invnetions: Fourth Invention {3:04}

5. Curtis O.B. Curtis-Smith - Five Sonorous Invnetions: Fifth Invention {2:00}

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