Program note:

The Plus One is a sum of two pieces for solo piano that when played together create something greater than the sum of its parts. This work can be performed as a duo or as a three-movement piece: Piano I (solo), Piano II (solo) and Piano I + Piano II (duo).

Performance requirements:

Piano I should have two timpani mallets and a guitar pic (or similar) for the sections were playing inside of the instrument is required. The timpani mallets can be substituted with any type of soft yarn mallets. A layer of packing tape should be added to the strings on the notes E7 to B7. A single strip close to the instrument’s mechanism should work well for the section that starts in m. 170.

No preparations are needed for Piano II.

World premiere version: Ami I-Lin Cheng and Steve Beck pianos. July 2022.