the album download includes a .pdf copy of the score. please alert the composer to any performances given where possible.

cairn - for quartet of any instruments.

this piece is performed in a series of movements, each the result of layering five transparent sheets over each other in different permutations (see below). the graphics of the score may be interpreted as desired, with the following suggestions in mind.

events themselves are to be read chronologically (from top of page to bottom), their duration, compass and complexity being suggested by size, density and construction. size is also to be considered as an indication of dynamic (either large = loud or large = soft, but consistent throughout all the pieces). the internal makeup of some of the larger events may suggest internal movement or harmonic colour.

as the sheets are overlaid the events on the top layer will be altered, obscured and made more complex by the forms behind them. these should be taken into account when interpreting the form on the uppermost sheet. each player plays from a different combination of the same sheets at any one time.

the duration of the piece is decided in advance - it is arrived at by setting the duration of the first movement. the duration of the subsequent movements is then dictated by their relationship to that of the first according to a performance table in the score.

a ʻconductorʼ or principal player in the quartet is appointed to begin and end movements in keeping with the durations set, and to cue the start of each new event within the movements (these may but are not required to be separated by silence in performance).

these downloads are freely given, but if you enjoy the music and would like to pay what you can you are very welcome to.