The Troll Variations
for a soloist
by
Tom Duff
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Instructions

This piece is for a soloist playing any instrument.

Alternate sections are marked Say and Play. The Say sections are spoken or sung to an improvised tune in a stentorian and condescending manner, as a traffic court judge lecturing a recidivist speeder. Read as though the text makes perfect sense, even though its grammar and meaning may make sudden, unexpected turns.

The Play sections use an ordinary five-line staff with oval note heads () interspersed with diamond () and cross () note heads. Play in a manner that contrasts with the lecturer's attitude. Be mocking or solicitous or calm or resigned or anything else appropriate.

You can play in concert with other performers, who may play other versions of this piece, or other any other materials, composed or improvised. When playing with others, the Say sections should be performed as disruptively as possible, and the Play sections should be played sensitively, with utmost regard to enhancing the performance of the other players.

Score

Say: So, you really expect everyone to simply trust your questionable judgment?

Play:


Say: What alleged "pissing"? What alleged "pissing"? What alleged pontification of mine?

Play:




Say: I do. You're the one who admitted to posting "bait".

Play:


Say: And I'd like to learn more about your opinion. But so far, all I've been posting here since a few years ago.

Play:




Say: I'm not the fault of the discussion, apparently without even being familiar with the piece, shows an interesting bias on your acoustic piano?

Play:




Say: Doe cannot win an argument can be perpetuated.

Play:




Say: One of the meeting I was the one you heard?

Play:


Say: The question is still illogical.

Play:


Say: Ah, so you're admitting to being one or both.

Play:


Say: It means "to follow" in a logical sense.

Play:


Say: Doe cannot win an argument with me because he hasn't identified where it is Doe's and your responses that are the nuisance.

Play:






Say: You're writing/performing it now.

Play:


Say: That's also your problem.

Play:


Say: Doe can apparently post his bait about anyone.

Play:


Say: On what basis do you call it "unwise"?

Play:


Say: Doe's ISP(s).

Play:


Say: So have I. Here's an example: In other words, you're a certifiable net.kook.

Play:




Say: Why? Barnes doesn't use the word "still"? I haven't started the script.

Play:




Say: What "name"?

Play:


Say: Star Spangled? Stars and Stripes? Anchors Aweigh? Semper Fi?

Play:




Say: No claim will obviate the fact that your claim of speciousness is itself specious.

Play:




Say: Famous last words.

Play:


Say: And the piece didn't have any reaction to how well or how badly you play it. Perhaps you should spend more time thinking about the length, yet the two pieces to which I'm replying: Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 18:06:14 -0400 Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 18:06:14 -0400 Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 17:44:38 -0400 Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 18:07:26 -0400 All later. Obviously you didn't answer my own question. It figures.

Play:




















Say: Irrelevant, given that we're not dealing with something that "decent people" do. Thus by your own personal spats without regard for topic. Not only is it you like, the lack of a pontification.

Play:






Say: Incorrect; it is "stupid".

Play:


Say: Readers take note: Carter is someone who uses two different names?

Play:




Say: You're presupposing that it's "too long", yet I noted that it's a pity that it's not long enough, therefore whatever direction you're trying to take it up with Doe.

Play:






Say: I'm sure that some do at least some of those uses have been in response to Professor Plum, Bill, Jim, and you.

Play:




Say: Famous last words.

Play:


Say: It means "to follow" in a logical sense.

Play: