Instrumental Duet Alto Recorder,Instrumental Duet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.966354 Composed by Greg Shapley. 20th Century,Contemporary,Standards. Score and parts. 4 pages. Greg Shapley #1984573. Published by Greg Shapley (A0.966354). Phrygian Swell is an easy to play round for recorders in three parts (it may also be played by many other instruments). It is written for near-beginners, but its designed so that the sum is greater that its parts. Included in this score are two versions. The original changes time signature every bar (eventually getting up to 23/4). It plays with a number of concepts, all designed as educational tools. Firstly, it is written entirely in the mode known as Phrygian. This mode has a distinctive mystical sound primarily due to its first interval – which is a minor second. Secondly, it has been written to get players thinking about time without being too challenging (so despite the change of time signatures, most notes are just crotchets). Another educational facet of these changing time signatures is that they ascend by primary numbers. Thirdly, being a round it gets young players used to playing different parts with other players, while initially being able to rehearse altogether. Fourthly, this piece is comprised entirely of scales, but it doesn't just sound like an exercise (I hope). The second version, barred in 4/4 is exactly the same as the first, except for the rebarring. This is done in case following the continually changing time signatures is too difficult (although it does defeat the purpose of the piece to a certain extent). This version of this piece was written for three alto/treble (transposed from the original for descant/soprano or tenor), but due to its simplicity and range, could be played by many other instruments.
