Stress Position is a staged composition for solo amplified piano. All elements of the work are intended to address the topic of torture. The title itself refers to a general technique whereby all or most of one's bodyweight is directed toward a particular muscle group. There are many possible configurations and the resulting strain can cause grotesque swelling. Throughout the duration of Stress Position, the pianist must play an unrelenting series of repeated notes at opposite ends of the instrument. This causes the arms to remain extended for the duration of the work. In addition, each hand is stretched to further extremes as pitches are slowly added. Stress Position was written for Marilyn Nonken.
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