A Discussion of Strategies for recording Babbitt’s Composition for Twelve Instruments

Abstract

This article talks about the strategies used and the problems encountered in the author's process of making a recording of Milton Babbitt's Composition for Twelve Instruments. In order to achieve an accurate and compelling recording on a restrictive budget, each gesture of the piece was recorded individually and later assembled into a coherent whole on the computer. Various issues of rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and phrasing needed to be evaluated and addressed.

Keywords:

• Babbitt
• Recording
• Rhythm
• Dynamics
• Phrasing

Acknowledgments

The musicians: Julietta Curenton, flute; James Austin Smith, oboe; Joshua Rubin, clarinet; Rebekah Heller, bassoon; David Byrd-Marrow, horn; Peter Evans, trumpet; Nuiko Wadden, harp; Steve Beck, celesta; Erik Carlson, violin; Chris Otto, viola; Chris Gross, cello; Randy Zigler, bass.

The recording engineer was Ryan Streber, who studied composition with Milton Babbitt. This recording would not have been possible without Ryan’s dedication and efforts. He listened with me during the recording sessions and helped guide the musicians to a unified interpretation. Ryan discussed with me many of the issues mentioned above, and I am grateful for his insights.

Other musicians helped greatly with their ears and minds: Michael Caterisano, Matthew Barber, and Ellie Moser.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by this author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erik Carlson

Violinist Erik Carlson has performed as a soloist and with many chamber and orchestral ensembles throughout Europe and the Americas. He is a highly active performer of contemporary music and has had works written for him by numerous composers. Carlson is an enthusiastic proponent of interdisciplinary collaboration, and performs frequently with dancers, poets, and film. He has been featured on diverse recordings of contemporary solo and ensemble repertoire, and his own musical compositions have been performed in a wide variety of venues. Carlson is on faculty at the University of California, San Diego.