“We don’t want this to be pretty music,” said Dr. John Prescott, professor of music at Missouri State University.

In 2016, in preparation for the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Prescott composed a rearrangement of the four notes in “Taps.” The piece, entitled “Quadrivium,” was performed by four students Sept. 11, 2016.

“We want this to be music that makes people think and creates tension,” said Prescott.

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About the piece

“Quadrivium” places simultaneous notes in four different keys, which creates a discordant sound that reflects the terror of 9/11.

The choreography of the piece placed Prescott’s students at four locations in Missouri State’s historic quadrangle in the heart of campus. As they played, the students slowly converged at the cornerstone in the center. The piece reached its climax when all four players reached the cornerstone and played in a meaningful pattern: nine notes, then 11 notes.

“Now it’s not quite so pretty, right?” Prescott said. “There’s a bit of bite to it.”

For more information, contact Prescott at 417-836-5748.

Learn about his creative process