Backroads (2002), 10m50s

commission: Réseaux des arts médiatiques

I. Shoe Factory Road
II. “Tree Tunnel” Road
III. Elevator Road
Transportation in its many forms is a necessity to most people in today’s society. We’ve become a world of commuters, traveling daily to jobs, stores, and for leisure. Our desire and/or need to travel by car has led to the development of super-highways and interstates, huge multi-lane roads allowing us to get from one place to another via the fastest, most direct route possible. These highways all seem to be built to run as straight as possible, and also through very generic, disinteresting terrains and areas. Somehow travel has become a dull necessity rather than an exciting adventure.

Travelers who avoid the highways, however, in favor of taking the back roads, often find their trips to be filled with adventures; twists and turns in the road, ever-changing scenery, and even odd yet interesting locations at which to stop. Although taking the back roads requires more stops, less speed, and takes more time, it can certainly be more adventuresome and ultimately more fulfilling to the curious traveler.

This composition tells the tale of three such roads that I’ve encountered on various trips when not taking highways. The piece is also a metaphor for the choices we have in life and as composers. Shall we take the highway, or instead turn and travel the back roads?

Performances

		iConcerts (Saison 1: 2003) Friday, June 6, 2003 iConcert 4 (Gauthier + Lillios + Normandeau)
		Rien à voir (12) Friday, September 13, 2002 Elainie Lillios: Taking Backroads, Creating Inroads • premiere