Enfolding Waves (2014) for violin, alto saxophone, piano and computer, octophonic 15’
[performed by Rubbing Stone Ensemble]
[performed by Rubbing Stone Ensemble]
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SCORE EXCERPT:
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Enfolding Waves is an interactive composition for violin, alto saxophone, piano and computer with octophonic sound projection. Along with the live processed instrumental phrases, the sonic material of the work includes prepared soundfiles of instrumental gestures, noises, and nuances captured with close recording techniques. Many are percussive and friction sounds so that when projected through the surrounding loudspeakers the listener becomes aware of the physicality and motion of those sounds. For their transformation, filtering, granulation, delays, and transposition with just and microtonal intonation create varied rhythmic and harmonic textures. In this way the smallest grains of sound are expanded into enveloping sonic environments, bringing the listener close to the inner resonance of the instruments.
In the performance a Kinect motion sensor tracks the composer/interpreter’s hand movements to expressively transform the live instrumental phrases and soundfiles. Standing at the mixer and computer in the midst of the audience, and performing with hand and arm gestures similar to conducting music, the movement, intensity and timbre of the sound is shaped and then projected through the surrounding eight loudspeakers.
Enfolding Waves was commissioned by the Rubbing Stone Ensemble with the financial support of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.