Imprecise or vague repetition

[ted]

While listening to the last few minutes of this one from last week, (I forget very quickly what I play) I realised that I find fuzzy or vague repetition much more powerful than precisely repeated cells. I think it was Ives who said something to the effect of every stone in the old orchard wall being different. I cannot remember the exact quote, but it means a variety of individuals within species, like leaves on a tree or breeds of cat. When applied to rhythm, as it is here, I find it peculiarly exciting. In this example, the section from about 1:30 to 3:30, would probably be played by a jazz pianist using precise motoric repetition in the left hand, but I have avoided precision in any of the musical elements for many years now.