The great contrast between the colors of the female voice and those of the transformed percussion sounds has given a certain importance to aesthetic ideas like warmth and cold, which have become dimensions in the work of composition. I should also mention the rhythmic dimension, which is defined by the use of the instruments’ original attacks. The polarity of timbres between the Asian percussion instruments and the voice is enlarged by using the expressive possibilities of the instrumental ensemble. Along with the warmth/cold contrast, the instruments are responsible for the espressivo aspect. Solo passages often leave enough space to display the instrumental expressivity and musical warmth which are associated with them. The relationship of the electronic sounds with the instrumental music is enriched by the use of percussion and keyboard instruments as well as adaptable sound surfaces.
Comissioned by Ensemble InterContemporain/IRCAM, Paris 1985
©Breitkopf & Härtel, Wiesbaden
INSTRUMENTATION
For ensemble: 1.1.1.bcl.1-1.2.1.0-perc(2)-pno.cel.(synthesizer)-str:3.0.2.2.1
and tape
20 min.
FIRST PERFORMANCE
Paris, 27 April 1987
Ensemble InterContemporain, cond: Peter Eötvös
About Michael obst
Michael Obst is a composer, pianist, and teacher. He began his successful composing career with electronic music and subsequently composed works for music theater, film and concert halls. His experience as a pianist with the Ensemble Modern, enriched his understanding of contemporary music. After 25 fulfilling years of teaching, he is now excited to once again concentrate on his own composition projects.
- INFO@MICHAEL-OBST.COM