Douze Mains (2008)
For 6 players on one pianoNo reason to panic (2006-2008)
Ensemble Continuum (Canada)
Duration: ± 8 minutes
First Performance: 20 november 2008 in the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam by Ensemble Continuum (Canada)
Written for: Ensemble Continuum (Canada)
Parts:
1. Doc, it's only a scratch - part 1
2. What have you done?
3. Take it easy
4. Doc, it's only a scratch - part 2
Review of a performance by eighth blackbird (USA): " 'Twelve Hands,' by Mayke Nas, is characteristic of that sense of joy. Nas describes the piece as an ode to "The Beatles" [The White Album.] The resemblance is spiritual, not literal, informed by the same creative "let's try this" attitude.
It's a mischievous work for a topless piano and six musicians wielding kitchen utensils, bank cards and mallets. Operating table imagery is encouraged by such movement titles as "Doc, it's only a scratch." Imagine a harp with a drum kit transplant, and you've got some idea of the sound."
(Angela Lehman-Rios in Richmond Times-Dispatch, 18 september 2009)
Review of a performance by f.c. jongbloed: "Even more hilarious was Mayke Nas' 'Douze Mains'. Six chattering musicians with an apron on plunge into a grand piano with dishwashing brushes. The contemporary music scene deserves adventurous boosts like these more often."
(Mark van de Voort, Brabants Dagblad, 9 mei 2011)
Audio sample 'Doc, it's only a scratch -part 1'
(1'24" / 1.9 Mb)
Sample-version by the composer