for n in reversed(range(1,4)):
play(n)
pause(n)
For Loop or 80’s Nostalgia
SFCCO performs for n in reversed(range(1,4)): play(n) pause(n)
In the 1980s, during my school years, pattern music – encompassing minimalism and post-minimalism – was at its peak. Among my peers at school, John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine resonated strongly. My piece for Loop initially began as a homage to that vibrant era. However, as the composition evolved, it took on a mechanical, almost computer-like quality. This shift, likely influenced subconsciously by my college composition professor, Dr. Cindy McTee, and her work Circuits, led me to discover a recurring pattern in the piece: play 3 – reset 3, play 2 – reset 2, play 1 – reset 1. This pattern reminded me of a simple ‘for loop’ in computer programming. Thus, the title for n in reversed(range(1,4)): play(n) pause(n) was born, reflecting this programming loop and accentuating the composition’s likeness to a computer in operation. The San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra (SFCCO) brought this piece to life with its premiere on May 9th, 2015.
