electroacoustic composer

Chemistries (2007), for flute, violin, cello, accordion and electroacoustic sound.

c. duration 30 min

Commissioned and premiered by Symposia ensemble.

Oliver Searle (Ensemble director), Jessica Sullivan (cello), John Somerville (accordion), Fiona Ferguson (flute), Feargus Hetherington (violin).

Live recordings from the The Arches, 9th Dec 2007:

Isomers and aequilibrium mp3:

Metathesis mp3:

katalysis mp3:

Galvanic mp3:

Isomers / aequilibrium* / Metathesis / katalysis* / Galvanic

*electroacoustic sound only

As a composer who writes primarily for fixed media, Chemistries is a series of experiments in the manipulation of what are, for me, two very distinct elements; acoustic instruments performing live, and pre-recorded electronic sound. The work explores a number of compositional approaches to this combination, including utilisation of interplay, imitation and superimposition of sonic materials.

The work comprises three movements, Isomers, Metathesis and Galvanic, separated by two short movements for electronic sound only. The tense energy which underpins each movement is further articulated by a trajectory of increasingly instability towards the work’s conclusion.

Isomers are two substances which are composed of the same atoms, but differ only by their arrangement. In this movement, there is intended to be substantial interplay between the instrumental material and the tape part. Both the instrumental and electronic material is comprised of predominantly fragmented and gestural motives, often based on note-pairs.

Metathesis is a type of reaction in which the bonds within two compounds are redistributed to form 2 new substances. Following the scurried activity of the first movement, here there is increased emphasis on harmonic construction, generally created using permutations of the same five notes. This movement is in a general state of flux, with textures constantly evolving, and fleeting references to sonic material from movements one and three.

The energy which is established in the 1st movement is explored further in the 3rd movement. Galvanic refers to situations in which a direct current of electricity is produced through chemical means. Here, a gradual degradation and blurring of rhythmic repetitions in the music leads to a dramatic release of the tension which has accumulated across the entirety of the work.

**The score for Chemistries is currently being revised**