"At the end of a day’s ringing, English church bells are “rung down” into their resting positions. During this process the sounds of the individual bells mingle in shifting combinations, creating a music that is strangely ethereal"

Ringing Down, for massed saxophones, was commissioned by The Bridgewater Hall Community Education Trust as a Millenium Project.

It was first performed in and on 6th floor balconies above Barbirolli Square in Manchester on September 30th 2000.

Inspired by the sound of church bells it's scored for four ensembles placed at such a distance as to make perfect synchronisation impossible. The sluggishness of the speed of sound then creates phasing between ensembles.

listen (single mic, outdoor performance)

score (you'll need the scorch plugin)

if you'd like to hear the whole thing, please contact sam paechter