Shadow Figures (2021/24)

For Piano and Synthesizer (One Player)
Duration: 12 minutes
Composed for Shaoai Ashley Zhang
Original version first performed by Shaoai Ashley Zhang, February 2, 2022
Current version first performed by Shaoai Ashley Zhang, January 22, 2025

I. Meditation (after Charles Ives)
II. Machine
III. Night (after Alban Berg)

Technical note: the synthesizer is controlled by a touch-sensitive, 88-key MIDI keyboard with pedal. No sound from the keyboard’s onboard system should be heard. Instead, the keyboard should be connected as a controller to a computer running a Max 8 patch, which is available from the composer. Pianoteq, a physical modeling piano synthesis program, should also be installed on the computer for use within the Max patch. Both the lowest (A0) and highest (C8) keys of the keyboard are silent. To advance the patch cues at the moments indicated in the score, the performer may press either one of these keys. Audio from the patch should be diffused through a single (mono) loudspeaker placed under the piano.