Description

Etude: Resonance

for Solo Piano
Duration: 4′

by Edward Caine

As the name suggests, resonance focusses on the sound resonating across the piano. If you hold down a key on the piano silently it releases the damper that prevents the string from vibrating. If you then play other keys on the piano that have a sympathetic resonance with that string then it will vibrate producing sound. The effect is as if the sustain pedal is down but on particular strings, bringing out harmonics from the performed notes. The language of the etude owes a debt to György Ligeti and to Conlon Nancarrow. Listen carefully for a rising figure played silently initially in the right hand. The other main piece of material is an arhythmic stride-esque piano motif in the left hand played loudly to bring out the sympathetic resonance of the notes held down in the right hand. There are also a three quotes hidden in the piece.