Pieces of Eight

Pieces of Eight was written in response to a 'call for scores' from French chamber group Ensemble Décadanse who were embarking on a project entitled "2000 miniatures for the year 2000". They were asking for groups of pieces, each item of which was no longer than 10 seconds in duration.

Taking up the challenge, I viewed each piece as a window onto another - hypothetical - larger piece.

Pieces of Eight exists in four versions by the composer - two ensemble versions for the lineups of Ensemble Décadanse and Brisbane group Topology, a string quartet version, and a solo piano version. Additionally, it was arranged by composer and oboist Catherine Pluygers for the ensemble of the London New Wind Festival in 2009.

The recording here is of the first performance of the piano version, by Italian pianist and composer Luca Tieppo at the London Composers Forum's lunchtime concert at St Mary's, Putney in London, 7 October 2011