Urban Cuts (2005), 34m08s

cello, drums and 5.1 tape

commission: Sabine Breitsameter / Akademie der Künste (Berlin, Germany), with support from the CALQ ; and from Andreas Hagelüken of RBB/Klanggalerie

This is a work where I explore urban spaces in Montreal, Las Vegas, and Berlin — 3 very different cities, with truly unique soundscapes. I gathered many recordings of spoken phrases, and used them as natural reference points for the listener. Cars are everywhere in these cities: a continuous drone in the background or right in front of my microphones, ready to roll.

While I have incorporated sampled drums and loops in my electroacoustic music for many years, with this piece I wanted to collaborate with two talented musicians from Montréal. Christian Olsen’s drumming is both explosive and subtle, while Delphine Measroch, who is also a composer, transforms the sound of her cello into a metro turnstile, a cricket, a hovercraft.

[viii-08]

Urban Cuts was realized in 2005 at the composer’s studio and premiered [support-based original version] on November 19, 2005 in Berlin (Germany). An initial 15-minute version entitled Espaces urbains 1: Las Vegas — Montréal — Berlin was presented on May 14, 2005 during the Elektra festival at Usine C, Montréal. This mixed version (for cello, drums, and tape) was premiered on December 10, 2005 during the Akousma (2) festival presented by Réseaux at Espace GO, Montréal. This recording was realized on February 26 & 28, 2007 at Studio Sygma in Montréal by Alain Girard and mixed at the composer’s stdio. Urban Cuts was commissioned by Sabine Breitsameter of the Akademie der Künste, Berlin (Germany), with the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), and Andreas Hagelüken of RBB/Klanggalerie. Thanks to Brenda Keesal, Fortner Anderson (recorded voice), Sabine Breitsameter, Andreas Hagelüken, Michael Rüsenberg, Carla Spies, Bernard Schütze; programers: Rick Scott (rachMiel), Colin Fraser (Biomechanoid).

Performances

Akousma (2)
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Ned Bouhalassa: Rhapsodie urbaine
• premiere