Retrograde Inversion takes a sequence of pitches and then uses traditionally serialist methods of rhythmic and intervallic rearrangement to create a short structure. This structure can be used in any way, but the initial intention of the score is that it be used as a basis for improvisation.
This piece is a brief initial exploration into the ability of pre-conceived material to act as a text for practice and improvisation. The material can be taken apart and put back together at the whims of the performer/practicer to achieve improvisational or technical goals. This deconstruction process can be done with any written, recorded, or memorised music, but this piece is an open invitation to treat the material in this open way, rather than as a note-for-note ‘classical’ performance.
This piece is part of a series of early explorations in jazz improvisation, where restrictions could be put on performers to achieve new and interesting results. These pieces would frequently be used in rehearsals with friends at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where I would experiment with new improvisational dynamics, and explore rules-based structures.