Rhythm + Speed by Paul Rothenstein

RHYTHM + SPEED is inspired by the work of Conlon Nancarrow (1912-1997), known for his rhythmically complex, ultra-fast player piano music.

Nancarrow favored canons, whose limited melodic material freed him to focus on mathematically precise experiments with rhythm and tempo. In contrast, most of my efforts herein are free, intuitive playings with rhythm and speed, the latter facilitated by digital technology. However, I have included four canons and a tone row piece.
These required me to improvise from written material, contrary to my usual practice of improvising out of the ether between my ears.

The album combines pieces of a Nancarrowesque bent with those of my own.

Tracklist

1.	R+S I Glitterfall (No. 365/2)	1:07

2.	R+S II Helter-Skelter (No. 378/4)	1:31

3.	R+S III Excelsior (No. 380/2)	4:43

4.	R+S IV Syncopated Sevens (No. 381/3)	4:07

5.	R+S V Canon 4 (No. 402/4)	1:31

6.	R+S VI Prelude & Fantasia on a Bach Fugue (No. 384/2)	8:03

7.	R+S VII 35 V. 38 (No. 386/2)	2:23

8.	R+S VIII Canon 3 (No. 401/4)	1:14

9.	R+S IX 40 V. 45 (No. 387/2)	1:11

10.	R+S X Chatter (No. 388/2)	2:03

11.	R+S XI Flutterfingers (No. 391/1)	1:25

12.	R+S XII Canon 1 (No. 398/4)	2:54

13.	R+S XIII Fastinating Rhythm (No. 392/2)	2:20

14.	R+S XIV Skittering (No. 393/1)	1:20

15.	R+S XV Minute Rhapsody (No. 389/2)	1:02

16.	R+S XVI Tone Row (No. 397/4)	2:17

17.	R+S XVII Canon 2 (No. 399/4)	0:52

18.	R+S XVIII Lumpy Arps (No. 403/3)	1:20

19.	R+S XIX Sonatina (Nos. 395/1, 396/1)	2:26

20.	R+S XX Musings (No. 393/2)	4:04

21.	R+S XXI Finale (No. 405/2)	3:29

Credits

released September 12, 2017

Artwork by the composer. See more at NewMasterDrawings.com

License

CC BY-NC-ND 3.0. See the Creative Commons website for details.