This the theme and a set of variations on set III from Schuman’s Three-Score Set. The theme is played straight. For the variations I take each segment of a measure and play it, then make many alterations to it quickly and comprehensively, then move on to the next measure segment. For example, I might play the first half of measure 2, then make changes to the tempo, rhythm, notes, and other characteristics, until moving to the second half of measure 2. And so on. So it keeps coming back to the theme, but intersperses variations as it goes on.
In the graphic of the score below, I’ve added the otonal scales for each segment. In measure 0, you can see the C#. That’s an otonality based on 16:15 above C. Then, the third part of measure 2 I switch to the 1:1 otonality. Measure 4 uses notes from the G# otonality, with G# meaning 8:5 above C, followed by D+, which is 8:7 above C.
There are many slides, usually from one note to the next in a sequence. Other slides are within a chord, as at the end of measure 2, repeated at measures 19 & 20.
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Machine 7: William Schuman – Three-Score Set – variations on set 3 – #37
