Between the Cracks at the End of the World is a panicked frenzy for Alto Sax and Violin. This chaotic duet was commissioned during the 2020 COVID-19 Quarantine. This premiere was recorded for the March 5th JCA Composers' Orchestra performance in the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Performing Arts at Butler University.

Violin: Alex McGrath
Alto Saxophone: James Howard

Between the Cracks at the End of the World

Five Modular Etudes

1. Reich, Riley & Townsend Mini Storage
2. Deckard's Vacation Modular
3. 2 Fast 2 Danz
4. (D) Press On (2)
5. Man Eye Zeke

Each of these modular synth studies were conceived to explore a small Eurorack system, as well as compose a set of short works that used as many of the modules as possible in one live setting at a time.

Each piece is recorded from a live performance with no overdubs, and then only modified with a 'house/ambient' reverb and some small mastering EQ.  All dynamics, motion, pitch and harmonic content were derived through CV or human knob-twisting, and all sounds (minus the recording of church bells) were made using this Eurorack system.

An interesting challenge!

Five Modular Etudes

Tying Knots With Noodles

A composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Alex McGrath is an ambitious musician who has dipped his hands in many different styles of writing. Since picking up the violin at age five, Alex has added French horn, trumpet, bass guitar, and piano to his collection of musical instruments. Alex has dabbled in many different styles of composition, from Romantic symphonic overtures to minimalist chamber works, ultimately aspiring to write music for movies, games, and television shows. Alex is currently studying Music Composition with Dr’s. Michael Schelle and Frank Felice at Butler University, while also working towards a double major in Computer Science.

Between the Cracks at the End of the World

Alex McGrath

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