Serial Meantimes

For piano and live algorithms. This piece applies well-formed scale theory (pitch) to rhythms (time). It uses the MeanTimes rhythm generator, recently developed in conjunction with Roger at MARCS Institute, University of Western Sydney (Milne and Dean, 2016). MeanTimes produces an infinitely variable family of deeply nested rhythms: some of which have simple regular pulses; some of which have no underlying pulse. The latter may still 'groove' deeply, but contrary to expectations, it is sometimes impossible to tap your foot along with them. In this performance, MeanTimes algorithmically provides the rhythmic impetus for the pitches generated by Dean’s Serial Collaborator algorithm. The resulting melodic and rhythmic materials provide the seed for Roger’s real-time improvisation at the piano and Andy’s real-time manipulation of the two (live algorithm) generators. Here we modulate between rhythms with simple unambiguous pulses and those with no discernible regular pulses. We progressively ascend through a variety of rhythmic forms until we reach the most irrational and irregular possible rhythm: one where all different beat durations are related by the golden section.