Earth Songs
2011-2012
This is the first version of a series of pieces for processed sounds and computer that relate to creation, creatures, their meditation on existence, and their awareness of the world. "Earth Songs", the first segment of a larger work, has a slow and relentless metric structure that remains mostly unchanged throughout the piece. It is rendered through analysis and resynthesis of a single voice and percussive sounds. Most of the resynthesis data scanning functions that create the voices are driven by Gendy unit generators, which create very particular inflections and obscure the underlying spoken text. The piece is played in real-time, with the performer executing pre-composed segments of SC code that represent utterances, phrases and rythmic structures, and is spatialized around the audience using Ambisonics.
In memory of Max Mathews, who lead the way in teaching computers how to sing.
Performances
- Southern Exchange Concert, DXARTS, Meany Hall, University of Washington, April 25th 2012
- Transitions Night 2, CCRMA Courtyard, September 29th 2011
- Compositions for a Sound Dome, "Earth Songs", EMPAC's Studio One, June 10th 2011.
- Linux Audio Conference 2011, "Earth Songs", Saturday Concert, INU Maynooth, Ireland, May 7th 2011.