October (2006)
October continues the "Early Minimalism" series of compositions Conrad began in 1984. October uses four different time signatures, resulting in "phasing" of the short phrases endlessly repeated by UB's Open String Ensemble players. As soloist, Tony Conrad uses the vocabulary of microtonal intervals his performances have long exploited, and which are occasionally echoed by the sounding of an eleventh harmonic in the first violin and seventh harmonics in one viola and one cello part, all above a fundamental tonic on "C".

Four Stars (2006)
This most recent composition consists of four simple chords that are repeated with variations. The solo violin plays the first notes of a rising minor scale:

The bridge of Tony Conrad's instrument has been modified to produce distinct difference tones, which appear prominently in the bass range. Other instruments that have used this "buzzing bridge" (or "dog") technique include the Renaissance hurdy-gurdy and the tromba marina, an extinct one-stringed European instrument.

Performed by:

Tony Conrad, solo violin
The UB Open String Ensemble:
Jonathan Golove, cello (director)
Andrew Borkowski, cello
Laura Casey, viola
Elisa Rega, viola
Jessica Tufte, violin

To view publication, please visit our archives.

Some publications related to this event:
PIONEER OF THE MINIMAL: A TONY CONRAD RETROSPECTIVE - 2006
October, 2006 - 2006