Rictus (2016) for mixed ensemble explores a range of uneasy and semiconscious mental states through constrained and coerced musical behaviors. Defined as a forced grimace or smile, a rictus is both the face of a person in an undesirable social situation and the result of sudden dismay, discomfort, or dreamlike contentment.
Rictus is scored for modified Pierrot ensemble and electronics:
Alto flute, bass clarinet, violin, cello, percussion [kick drum, snare, two-tone log drum, bongo, spring drum, 2 china cymbals, woodblock, plastic grocery bag], and electronics [played through 2 or 4 peripheral snare drums and/or stereo speaker system]
Dan Caputo 