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Memory in Motion Percussion in Surround was a research project developed to examine how percussionists memorize musical actions within ensembles. As part of this research, director Aiyun Huang commissioned new works to compliment selected existing repertoire. Zihua Tan wrote InchSoritesInch to compliment Iannis Xenakis' InchPersephassaInch and alcides lanza wrote Inchmnais mnemesInch to compliment his own earlier composition Inchsensor VI.Inch In both cases, the composers were asked to use the identical setup and notational system as that of the existing works. By sharing this common DNA, these unique compositions synergistically flow together to form an unusually powerful listening experience. InchPersephassaInch is a classic of the percussion repertoire for 6 spatialized percussionists surrounding the audience. This, along with Tan's InchSoritesInch make for extraordinary listening in surround, with the listener placed in the center of the circular ensemble as acoustic sounds often ricochet or spin around the listener. The recording on this Mode accurately places each percussionist in the soundstage (in the stereo version as well as the surround). Mâche's InchAeraInch is also for 6 percussionists. Using tuned gongs, vibraphones, marimbas, tubular bells, and timpani as the main colors in this 20-minute work, Mâche directs our ears to hear the inner resonance of these instruments and how the timbres and harmonies mingle and evolve when combinations of instruments shift. Lanza's two works are scored for percussion quartet. Inchsensor VIInch was inspired by the first moon-landing by the Apollo astronauts in 1969. Lanza chose to reference the devices that sensed and transmitted the astronauts' life-signs through space to technicians on the ground, and the relation these instruments have to the body's sense organs. His Inchmnais mnemesInch draws formal and textural ins
