The following scores are reproduced on high quality paper, either by hand or by quality photocopy, and spiral bound. Most are large format scores which require time to prepare. Allow 1-2 weeks for preparation prior to shipping unless stated otherwise.
Scored for one live and four pre-recorded string quartets; combining traditional and proportional notation in a score in which space equals time. Each quartet plays variants on more or less the same material, focusing on the tone of D. Slow paced and meditative rather than active, the piece weaves an extended fabric out of variations of register, color and attack, interspersed with passing harmonic showers, sustained chords, and brief forte outbursts. (Duration ca. 8 minutes, 1985)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
Scored for clarinet, horn, trumpet, trombone, vibraphone/glockenspiel, harp, two violins, viola, cello, string bass, piano and tape. Based on John Lennon's Imagine, and using the opening two measure vamp as an 'idee fixe' that is repeated throughout. The ensemble surrounds the quotation with a cloud of variously consonant and dissonant material, finally joining one verse from the recording with a traditional accompaniment before moving off into a long, much-extended conclusion based on Lennon's closing motive and harmony. (Duration ca. 9 minutes, 1988)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
The first of a five-part piece for large orchestra whose final duration will be about 45 minutes. This movement is about 9 minutes long. Composed divisi, with each instrumental part notated on one of each of the page's 100 staves. This composition consists largely of a cloud of overlaid fragments, sometimes joined by sections of concerted material - sustained notes, instrumental chants, etc. The individual parts gradually coalesce into two large wave-bodies which build up to, and are finally shattered by, a large orchestral explosion. The score may be used as a performing score. (1983)
Based on writings from the Vietnam Vetrans Memorial, this piece is scored for soprano, flute, clarinet, piano, percussion, violin, cello and four-channel tape. Taped portions include multiple ensembles and readings of letters from wives, girlfreinds, comrades, siblings and children of those who died in the war. The soprano's text is taken from the poetry of a combat nurse. The work has been performed at the California Vietnam Vetrans Memorial and other concert venues throughout the state. (Duration ca. 27 minutes, 1991)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
Three large graphic scores for soprano, flute, clarinet, percussion (mallet instruments), violin, viola and cello. Each of the single pages (movements) is based on a poem of Apollinaire and allows for much creative interpretation. The scores themselves hae been the subject of a one-person show. (Duration open, 1988)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
Scored for flute, clarinet, piano, violin and cello. An extended single movement, slowly evolving work in which quiet material alternates between suspended harmonic movement and overlaid tapestries of repeated melodies. (Duration ca. 25 minutes, 1994)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
Composed for the Jovan Percussion Group and premiered in Germany in 1994. Scored for four percussionists who play a variety of drums, cymbals and auxiliary instruments, it is based on the Balinese Monkey Chant and includes vocalisation and body percussion. (Duration ca. 13 minutes, 1994)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
A virtuoso work for tenor, piano and percussion. Text includes excerpts from the deposition of a victim of Chilean oppression, Hebrew prayers of thanksgiving, a mesotic by John Cage, Latin psalms, an Anglo-Saxon ritual to restore fertility to the fields, the reminiscences of a Croation refugee and a brief excerpt from the diary of Anne Frank. NPR Critic Clark Mitze called it "an important contribution to the music world. Hersh has always given us thoughtful music of great depth that is filled with drama and beauty. Earthly Prayers, in my opinion, is his finest composition and should be heard throughout the world." (Duration ca. 30 minutes, 1993)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
A cantata for two soprano, single tenor and baritone soloists, women's chorus and chamber orchestra, with texts from e.e. cummings, Robert Frost, and the Kabbala, as well as a medieval praise to spring. It can be performed in traditional configuration or as a spatial work, with the performers surrounding the audience. (Duration ca. 30 minutes, 1992)
Performance parts available , by request, for rent.
A solo vibraphone work that includes rapid virtuoso passages and extended areas of slowly evolving, suspended sounds. Composed for Nebojsa Zivkovic and premiered in Poland in 1995. (Duration ca. 12 minutes, 1995)
An unaccompanied violin piece which combines virtuoso passages with recollections of Yiddish melodies, heard through the haze of the Diaspora. (Duration ca. 25 minutes, 1992)
A short lullaby for soprano and ensemble - flute, clarinet, piano, violin, viola and cello. It is part of a collection of newly composed lullabies commissioned by Music Now and featured on its "Lullaby for the Millennium" concert. (Duration ca. 5 minutes, 1995)
Item number HH-S-11; Score $15.00
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1940, Hersh studied composition at Stanford University. He has been very active on the West Coast in presenting new music as performer (piano, mallet instruments) and conductor. In the early '70's he was director of the San Francisco Conservatory's New Music Ensemble, which presented a series of landmark concerts in California and Europe. He is currently Director of Music Now, a Sacramento-based new music group. From 1967-69 he was also music director at radio station KPFA-FM. He lives and composes in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Deep Listening® is a registered trademark of The Deep Listening Institute, Ltd