composition
cries&screams//subterranean_meditation
A threnody dedicated to my ancestors and to all those affected by displacement and oppression. Through researching my family's genealogy I discovered ancestry in the First Nations People, Métis, and Filles du Roi. The deeper I dug into this history, the more inner turmoil and existential anguish developed, resulting in the creation of this piece.
Mechanically, it is a 4-track composition for analogue modular synthesizer consisting of off-kilter percussive sequences in a polyrhythmic, odd time signature; disjointed wind/water sounds made with pink and white noise; and human-like cries fashioned from dissonant harmonies of sine, triangle, and square wave oscillators.
Recorded in 2018 using a Starkey Laboratories Analogue Modular Synthesizer
Ylem
Played by Hapax Trio, this piece takes its name from the theoretical original substance that existed before the formation of the chemical elements, the source for the cosmic background radiation. From a compositional standpoint, it borrows from Modes of Limited Transposition, Positive Harmony, and Monkian melodic techniques.
Samuel Brunner, electric guitar
Antonio Forte, electric piano
Brian St. Pierre, drums
Recorded at Chris Devona Recording Studio in 2018
Accumulations for Three Musicians
A graphic score consisting of acrylic paint on orchestral staff paper is given to three musicians. With no prior rehearsal, the trio is asked to examine the word accumulation and interpret the score through performance.
Kevin Eikenberg, vibraphone and cymbals
Antonio Forte, trumpet
Evan Oliver, piano
Recorded in the Abramson Recital Hall at American University in 2013
