Eric Craven: Piano Sonata No. 9 (EDN80035)

For this sonata I have employed a compositional technique which I describe as Non-Prescriptive.The objective of this process is to realign the historical relationships between the composer, the performer and the performance.

This is achieved by allowing the performer licence to determine how the parameters that have been omitted by the composer should be executed.The performer thus assumes a significant responsibility in determining the outcome of the performance by becoming an essential component of the compostional process. Moreover, because the music is not fixed or prescribed, the performer is able to explore different possible outcomes of the music.

Movements I and III are presented in Low Order Non-Prescriptive format.The performer is given comprehensive ownership of the omitted parameters, whch are tempi, dynamics, phrasing, pedalling and the articulation of notes. I define articulation as being the process of selection and combination of certain musical parameters which, together with performance techniques, serve to shape the outcome of the music.

Sharp, flat and natural signs last for one bar, unless they are changed within that bar.

Movement II, presented in High Order Non-Prescriptive format, offers only one given parameter, that of pitch, which may be played at octaves or multiples of octaves to the given pitch.

In addition: 

pitches may be played in any order;

pitches may be repeated or omitted;

pitches may be gathered together and grouped vertically, for the purpose of the construction of chords. 

Any given vertical structure of notes may be disassembled, delaminated, and the constituent pitches then played separately. 

Sharp and flat signs apply only to the notes they proceed.

Performance may commence and conclude at any point in the score.The duration of the piece is determined by the performer.

Eric Craven 2013