David Trum

Cincinnati Scrap (2012)

Solo Marimba and Stereo Fixed-Format Audio

Cincinnati Scrap is a pseudo-theatrical work, with its drama stemming from the dialogue and shifting power dynamic between the marimbist and the tape. The piece serves as metaphor for the way in which we, as musicians learn to speak through our music: first through mimicry , then experimentation, and eventually the emergence of our own unique artistic voice. The fixed-format audio is comprised of samples of actual city-life sounds from around Cincinnati: construction sounds, cars, squealing brakes, fire, faucets/water, drains, birds, and various metal/crunching/white noise sounds. This work was commissioned and premiered by percussionist Aaron Griesser during the spring of 2012.

The recording presented here is a 2018 recording of percussionist Phil Gallo.