Call for scores!

The Huygens-Fokker Foundation is always on the lookout for new microtonal works for the special microtonal instruments it possesses. A composition may be submitted as a score (possibly in digital form), intended to be performed by musicians. However, it may also be a composition for which no score exists and which only consists of a MIDI file to control the Fokker organ via a laptop.
Scores or MIDI files may be sent at any time of the year to the e-mail address and/or postal address indicated on the right in the blue frame. The composition will then be assessed for playability, style and, of course, quality, after which a suitable concert programme will be sought within the concert series in which the work can be performed (in the Kleine Zaal of the Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam).

Instrumentations

Scores are sought for various instrumentations with microtonal instruments. A work may be composed for the Fokker organ (31-tone organ), either intended for a performer or for a laptop controlling the instrument. A combination of the Fokker organ and the Carrillo piano (96-tone piano) is also possible. In addition, compositions may be written for these two instruments plus the 31-tone guitar (Trio SCALA), which is available in both acoustic and electric versions. The duo of 31-tone guitar and 31-tone organ is also an established instrumentation. Furthermore, solo works may be composed for all these instruments, although a new work for Fokker organ solo has the greatest chance of being performed within the foreseeable future. Another possibility is to compose for one of the permanent ensembles of the Huygens-Fokker Foundation, namely the vocal group Vokalprojekt 31 (for 31-tone music) and Ensemble SCALA (for microtonal music). Read more about the possibilities below in the ‘guide for composers’.

Guide for composers

This short guide is intended to support composers in creating works for the microtonal instruments and ensembles of the Huygens-Fokker Foundation, including Ensemble SCALA and Vokalprojekt 31. It describes the possibilities and limitations of the available instruments and, in that context, gives some practical advice for effective composing.

Ensemble SCALA consists of a mix of microtonal and classical instruments. The microtonal instruments of the ensemble offer composers extensive musical possibilities. At its centre is the Fokker organ, tuned in the 31-tone equal temperament system. This system makes pure intervals and modulations to all keys possible. The white keys and the first three sharps and first two flats correspond to standard meantone temperament, while additional microtonal notes are distributed over the remaining keys. The lower black keys are sharps and the upper ones flats. The organ can be played manually or controlled via computer, and hybrid set-ups make it possible for one keyboard to be MIDI-driven while the other is played by the performer. Detailed MIDI specifications for the Fokker organ are available here (see the links in the blue box to the right). If desired, electronic sounds can further enhance the spatial and dynamic dimensions of a composition by using the four large identical loudspeakers placed in the Fokker organ.

Composers who do not use tonal functions in their compositions are advised to use the simplified notation system for 31-tone music. However, when tonal functions are used, it is necessary also to employ accidentals from the extended 31-tone notation, including 3/5 and 4/5 sharps and flats.

The ensemble also features a 31-tone guitar, both acoustic and electric. This instrument is particularly suitable for microtonal melodic lines and chords. These chords must be carefully considered to ensure they are playable on the guitar. Composers are well advised to consult with the guitarist early in the composition process to guarantee the feasibility of their ideas, otherwise problems may arise at a later stage.

Another microtonal instrument in the ensemble is the Carrillo piano, a 96-tone piano spanning one octave (C′ to C′′) with 97 keys, each with an interval of 12.5 cents. Because of the large distances between the keys (even when playing intervals such as a major second), writing for this instrument is usually limited to a form of two-part writing or melodic lines. The Carrillo piano is equipped with a moderator that can be operated with the left hand, producing a very soft and mysterious sound, similar to a practice pedal. Consultation with the performer can help to adapt compositions to the specific possibilities of the instrument.

The classical instruments, including flute, B-flat clarinet and viola, require special attention due to their reliance on the conventional tuning system. Although special fingerings can be used on the flute and clarinet to produce microtones and embouchure can be employed to adjust tuning, it is generally advisable to keep most notes close to the standard pitches of the 12-tone system. Microtones can be effectively used as passing notes or sustained tones, allowing performers sufficient time for accurate intonation. When writing for the viola, the challenges of accurately approaching microtonal intervals must be taken into account. It is therefore advisable to let these intervals arise from a logical melodic line for a (viola) player.

For percussion, the ensemble prefers small and portable instruments. Microtonal percussion, such as tuned metal tubes, can if necessary be built or adapted by the composer in collaboration with the percussionist. In consultation, a MalletKAT, a marimba-like MIDI percussion controller that can be tuned in various systems (for example 24-tone or 31-tone), may also be used.

In Vokalprojekt 31 the 31-tone organ also plays a role, namely the accompaniment of the group’s four singers: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone. It is important that new works are singable.

Microtonal music in the 31-tone system has a rich historical context, with Nicola Vicentino in 1555 and Christiaan Huygens in 1691 as its founders. The more contemporary repertoire has been developed since the late 1940s. In new works, it would be good for composers to aim for somewhat practical pieces that enhance performability.

Submissions must be provided as PDF files and may be sent to the addresses indicated at the top right. Submitted scores will be preserved in the physical or digital library for possible future performances. To support composers, various useful documents are available. See ‘Documents and software’ in the blue box to the right.