Six Mutations for Piano

This publication was created through an intense collaboration between composer Leslie Melcher and visual artist Erwin Clauws (who is also the developer and publisher of NOTUS Music Notation). As a result, the scores and the accompanying photographic illustrations are of equal value to each other and one should intensify the other and influence the performance. The score of a Mutation is followed by a double page illustration. The SIX MUTATIONS for PIANO is therefore a unique publication that is only available in NOTUS Music Notation.

A mutation is not a variation. For these ‘mutations’, the original known melody has been broken into units after which the harmonic and melodic passages in each unit have been rewritten, using compositional operations such as changing registrations (high/low), the use of contrapuntal techniques and their combinations. After creation, these mutations were balanced to the level of 'Intermediate - Late Intermediate' for piano.

The photographic illustrations by Erwin Clauws were created as a unique work of art in 2010 and comprise six scenes with details of a tranquil spot in a dark forest. Just as Leslie uses symmetrical passages during the creation of a mutation, symmetrical reflections also occur partially and surprisingly locally in the illustrations. Both worlds, the sound and the visual, interact uniquely in this publication and enhance the overall atmosphere.