First Night: Crippled Symmetry

"I am very interested in rugs in the sense of being involved with the amount of work and solitary time involved."
—Morton Feldman

Looking for something quiet amid the hubbub of New Year's Eve? This 90-minute minimalist masterpiece may be just the thing.

Written in 1983, near the end of Morton Feldman's life, Crippled Symmetry finds the composer refining his delicate, contemplative music with direct reference to Turkish rugs. Feldman saw that "the detail of an Anatolian symmetrical image was never mechanical, as I had expected, but idiomatically drawn." This "crippled symmetry" greatly fascinated Feldman, and is explicitly called out in the name of this work.

Feldman's score, with no dynamic markings and very little synchronization between the three musicians, requires immense concentration from its performers. He's been a favorite among New England Conservatory's musicians, so it's no surprise to find this special First Night performance put together by the NEC alumni who make up the Ludovico Ensemble.

A group of shifting configuration, for this performance Ludovico consists of pianist Sarah Bob '99 M.M.; flutist Jessi Rosinski '06 M.M., using a variety of instruments, including alto and bass flute; and percussionist Nicholas Tolle '08, on vibraphone, celesta, and glockenspiel. The performance is sponsored by the Boston Musicians' Association, Local 9-535 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Admission is free with First Night button.

The video clip on this page captures an excerpt from a solo dance interpretation of Crippled Symmetry, courtesy of champdaction at YouTube.