In his introduction to Spanning Tree (2013/14) Michael writes “A tree grows toward the sun, spanning the distance between itself and the light – each branch, each new angle reaching forward. In mathematics, the branches of the spanning tree never grow back on themselves, never interfere with the light or each other, or, more accurately: A tree is a connected undirected graph with no cycles. It is a spanning tree of a graph if it includes every vertex (every corner) of the graph and every edge in the tree belongs to it. In reality (or art), the branches may not be straight, they might just sustain themselves beyond supportability, endure past simple logic or usefulness, exceeding the limits of prescribed space and ownership, straining to become something new.”
“In this piece, the growth of the tree is the labour of a lone percussionist. The parameters for the development of the “tree” are distilled into a simple format – balancing sounds that are long and sustain effortlessly with sounds that are short and have minimal sustainability. In each cycle, the ratio of instruments that sustain, to instruments that support a clean attack, is even: moving through 1:1, 2:2, 3:3, 4:4, 5:5, and 6:6. The ordering of the six parts is up to the performer, as is the choice of the instruments and their combination. The six stages are not designed to evolve from simple to complex, but instead, they outline musical tableaux which are presented to the performer in the form of six maze-like graphs. The way that the points of the graph are connected is determined by the percussionist. The choice of instruments renders duets of long and short sounds forming paths that lead us through, or perhaps, keep us trapped in the maze.” – Michael Oesterle
Spanning Tree was commissioned by Daniel Cooper for percussionist David Schotzko.
credits
from Spanning Tree,
released November 1, 2021
A native of Saskatoon, Bill Linwood is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Aventa Ensemble, with which he has had the opportunity to present Canadian music around the globe. A champion of the music of Quebec composer Gilles Tremblay, Bill has conducted several programs and recordings devoted to his music, as well as premieres from such international composers as Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Pierre Boulez and Philippe Leroux. Since 1982, Bill has served as Principal Timpanist with the Victoria Symphony and is currently instructor of percussion at the University of Victoria. As part of the Canadian Music Centre's 50th anniversary, Bill was named a CMC Ambassador in recognition of his dedication and commitment to Canadian music.
supported by 10 fans who also own “Spanning Tree – “One””
This music is a miracle, perfection. Expansive in its simplicity and beauty. I can return to it again and again, always hearing something different enfolding me. Larry Looney
There’s a quiet beauty to this remix album of compositions by Michael Vincent Waller, with contributions from JLin, Prefuse 73, & more. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 1, 2024
supported by 8 fans who also own “Spanning Tree – “One””
Mostly slow, mysterious, strange, two simple musical lines cross and uncross in an apparently infinite variety of combinations, creating all sorts of illusions and confusions. Beautiful, engaging, and leaves me wanting more. Giles