directions for disintegration

[double bass]

p. andrew young december 12, 2012 for ben levinson

scordatura: E G#(-14) D(-31) F#(+4)

1. Pizz the low E string as loud as possible. There will be a snapping sound against the wood of the fingerboard. While the pitch is ringing take the tip of the bow at the bridge and attempt to catch the tone as to continue its sustain. Start with quick tremolo bowing only at the tip of the bow. Slowly, use more of the bow, taking more time on each resetting of the bow. The bowing/sustaining should be as soft as possible. 2. After some time of sustaining the tone towards the bridge, abruptly cut it off by muting the string and lifting the bow vertically, the resulting sound should be a short white noise. 3. Wait in silence for some time. 4. A soft pizz towards the bridge on the E string. Let the tone decay into silence. 5. Wait for a short amount of time. 6. Down-bow as quietly as possible, towards the bridge, with a finger on the first harmonic node for only the length of the bow. 7. Wait for some time 8. Repeat 1-5 9. Up-bow as quietly as possible, towards the bridge, with a finger on the second harmonic node for only the length of the bow. 10. Repeat 1-5 11. Down-bow as quietly as possible, towards the bridge, with a finger on the third harmonic node for only the length of the bow. 12. Repeat 1-5 13. Down-bow with medium pressure, towards the fingerboard, with a finger between the third and fourth harmonic node for only the length of the bow. A multiphonic should result. Repeat this 3-10 times, with pauses between each repeat. 14. Wait for some time

15. Play the highest stopped tone on the G string, fluttering between the fingered note and a touch 4th harmonic. As quietly as possible, with slow bow speed, and with bow on its side at the bridge. 16. Repeat 13-14 17. Play the 1st and 2nd harmonic nodes, alternating between each string, letting each harmonic ring against one another. Also play the open E string. Try not to make patterns. 18. Repeat 15 19. Rub the bass with your left hand while lightly flicking the strings with your right hand fingernails. Start towards the bridge, and slowly move towards the fingerboard. 20. Repeat 15 21. Wait for some time 22. Replicate the sound of 19 using the bow against the strings. 23. Repeat 4 24. Wait for some time 25. Bow behind your left hand on the A and D strings. Start between the fingerboard and the bridge. Slowly move the bow and fingers towards the fingerboard. Repeat this 3-10 times getting quieter each time. 26. Wait for some time 27. Repeat 19, then 22 28. Wait for some time 29. Repeat 4

about 15 - 20 minutes