sternklang dogs
for seven instruments of definite pitch

each attack is to be played by a different instrument with a unique timbre.

only the notated attacks are to be heard, otherwise playing is to be continuous.

the instrument selected for each pitch should have the register of that notated pitch within its normal playing range.

the dynamic level should, in general, be very soft. occasional moments of fortissimo playing are allowed as long as they grow organically out of the natural momentum and don’t last for too long a length of time.

if performed on acoustic instruments, playing in shifts will be necessary. care must be taken so that when one player fades in and the other fades out that this action is not perceived. wind players should, as much as practical, take advantage of the use of circular breathing.

douglas cohen
buffalo, ny
1992