particle + wave [2004] is my second piece to independently control three live performers via headphones. In this work each player receives a separately varying click-track to determine the tempo of their performance of a notated score through five related tempi and connecting accelerandi and rallentandi. The situation for the performers in this piece is reminiscent of the example given by Einstein to illustrate his theory of relativity in which passengers on different trains observing one another – if the trains are moving at the same speed the trains appear stationary to each other, if one train speeds away the others appear to slow down.
The title alludes to the quality of music to appear as individual notes (particles) or connected phrases (waves) depending on the tempo of the performance. This quality is exaggerated by the range of tempi employed (from 30bpm to 150bpm) and the fact that the written note durations always remain the same. In addition to the saxophone and sarons, a middle layer of sound is created by the computer using recordings of the sarons with their “attacks” removed – rendering them more saxophone-like.
A live record from the legendary Diamanda Galás finds the artist exploring the outer fringes of pop with only her voice and a piano. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2024