Betsey Biggs

For large ensemble. Commissioned and premiered by the Mills sCraPE Ensemble, 2002. Of varying time, but often around 10 minutes.

See score as PDF (right or control-click to download)

Away is a structured improvisation for large ensemble. Musicians are instructed to move spatially through a graphic score deconstructing the American folk song, "Oh, Shenandoah". Players may move through the tune forwards or backwards, but may not jump too far through the melody. The pianist provides a metronomic tonal basis for the piece.

This piece is often played at Williams College to mark the start of a new year.

CREDITS

composer: Betsey Biggs

PERFORMANCES AND EXHIBITIONS

2022: Chapin Hall, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.

2021: Bernhard Music Center, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.

2021: Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat, Dublin, NH, USA.

2020: Williams College Museum of Art, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.

2002: Mills College Auditorium, Mills College, Oakland, CA, USA.