Originally written in 1977 for a group of seven early instruments and

percussion, its central feature is a pedal point, the notes A and E, that are

sustained throughout the piece. At the end of 1980, Part made a version for 12

cellos. During the twelve minutes that the piece lasts, a six-bar theme is repeated

eight times. The theme begins with two percussion bars, six muted beats on the

cello body, taking the place of the original percussion instruments. The

dynamics describe an arch, beginning very quietly, raising to a moderate

intensity and then slowly decreasing again until almost vanishing. The effect is

hypnotic and static.

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