Zip

Zip was written in 1999, and premiered in New York City by Fred Sherry, who commissioned the work, and with the composer as pianist. Its European premiere was given by cellist Richard Harwood alongside the composer. Around nine minutes long, the structure is fairly clear, consisting of rapid mercurial scherzos which surround two central sections which are more lyrical and tranquil. What these contrasting passages have in common is that they explore the relationships in timbre between both instruments, and their resonance and character informs the musical elements throughout. For example, aspects developed harmonically include both plucked and bowed harmonics on the cello which are often blended with sound effects on the piano, particularly hand stopped strings. The opening begins with a series of chords based around the resonance of the cello's C string- this note underpinning much of the harmony in the entire work and reaching its conclusion with the cello top C at the end of the work.