Nico Muhly

Drones, Variations, Ornaments

This Drones, Variations, Ornaments sheet music is the full score for this innovative and dramatic piece by Nico Muhly. According to Muhly, this piece is 'music in constant transformation', featuring steadily evolving melodies from a number of instruments, punctuated with hugely original percussive parts, with instructions to fill the Cymbal with chain, coins and other metal objects in order to make it sound like glass shattering. It is this inspired composition that makes Drones, Variations, Ornaments the interesting and acclaimed piece that it is. With this piece, Muhly has attempted to recreate the sound and motion of a machine through music. String chords begin the piece with a light and soothing opening, before the 'machine' (made up of Winds, Guitar, Percussion and Piano) awakens. This truly unusual piece is a joy to listen to and perform, and we are pleased to offer this full score to you.