| ExpandedZeppelin2012 - Barcelona Sound Limit was dedicated to thinking about the idea of limit and invited artists to tackle this notion through sound spatialisation works. 25 contributors had the chance to have their composition played through the PA system of the Barcelona Centre for Contemporary Culture on November 30, 2012. The system consisted of 16 loudspeakers forming a circle around the audience. |
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| This multiple sound source setup gave the opportunity to think of a more complex sound spatialisation than the usual stereophonic system normally allows. My composition, Cardinal Shift, is made of 16 individual synchronised tracks. It is an evolving music piece made of shifting repetitive motives progressively appearing in different spatial patterns along the cardinal points. Slight variations, improvised phrases and sudden breaks add an unexpected touch to the whole when all elements are in. The odd 7/8 time signature and the way the notes spin, bounce and pulse within the area delimited by the PA system constantly redefine the spatial horizon and recompose the sense of place. While staying motionless, the listener may at times feel disoriented by the ever changing perspective of the music. The orchestration consists in traditional instruments (piano, harp, double bass, vibes, marimbas, bells and claps), yet used in an unusual combination. The use of classical instruments together with chromatic percussions is inspired by contemporary music whereas the palmas are a direct reference to the Spanish culture. Different worlds collide, sonically and spatially, just like in the city. The sonic environment of a city is made of a finished number of various sound elements that pop up, extend, repeat and move in space and time within the urban boundaries. Though all used instruments are acoustic, the rather complex spatialisation of the music is only made possible thanks to electronic treatments. The relatively quick and numerous spatial shifts make such a rendition impossible for a real orchestra. |
