Jay C. Batzner is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida where he teaches theory, composition, and technology courses as well as coordinates the composition program. He holds degrees in composition and/or theory from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kansas.
Jay's music is primarily focused around instrumental chamber works as well as electroacoustic composition. His music has been recorded on the Capstone, Vox Novus, and Beauport Classical labels and is published by Unsafe Bull Music.
Jay is a sci-fi geek, an amateur banjoist, a home brewer, and juggler.
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10/10/2006
Two firsts in one...
Friday I am giving the premiere performance of my Miniatures for piano and tape. I have made a LOT of changes to the pieces since they were accepted to the EMM Festival (thank goodness for the "work-in-progress" submissions!).
Anyhow, I ditched a complete miniature in favor of a Negativland-themed romp. It works a lot better than what I had, that is for darned sure. You can hear the tape part (I haven't recorded the piano part) right here.
As for that piano part, I made another startling choice. I've decided to improvise the part. This is not an act of laziness or desperation. It is just that, based on the tape parts, I don't think a structured piano part is appropriate. I know the "rules of the game" for each of the movements and I'm just going to go out and do what seems right at the time. The tape part is never, ever going to change. The piano part always will. I find it very appealing. The audience may find it appalling, but I think it is the right decision.
So, the twofer firsts: first performance for instrument and tape, first improvisational composition. Strange bedfellows, I know, but I likes 'em that way...
posted by Jay C. Batzner
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