Time Chants  II. Monhegan Island (August 1992) results from a
visit to this island off the coast of Maine, where the existence
of a small community depends largely on the annual lobster catch
within few miles of the island circumference.  What struck me
most about the island was an apparent contradiction posed by its
isolation.  On one hand, the island serves as refuge from forces
on the mainland, far removed from the noise, the activity, and
dynamic forces of modern society.  Certainly, the island has its
own dynamic forces borne mainly from natural elements along with
those generated by the community of people living there.  
     On the other hand, the island can be viewed as a sort of
prison without walls, isolated from many of the things modern
civilization takes for granted.  For many of the permanent
residents, this isolation is probably a double-edged sword.
     All of the aforementioned elements are part of the
composition, at least in spirit.  The work does not attempt to
recreate the experience of visiting the island in any sort of
narrative way.  However, it is hoped, it may evoke the spirit and
forces found on the island, as well as the seeming contradiction
mentioned above.
     Performance requires a digital delay unit, preferably an
Alesis Quadraverb which permits the performer to advance programs
using a footswitch.