is a violin concerto for an improvising soloist, string orchestra, and spatial soundscape. The instrumental parts are derived from the sound material in the electronic layer, and draw on two ancient types of performance practice: heterophony and improvisation. The solo violin part is partly notated, partly improvised. The soloist is expected to create his or her own unique responses to the notated phrases, in a dialogue with the electronic soundscape, the orchestra and the acoustic space. 

Sounds in the electroacoustic layer are based on sound material I recorded using various Ambisonic microphones in acoustically inspiring spaces. These sounds include instrumental samples (Ewa Trębacz – violin, Josiah Boothby – French horn) as well as doors, gates and metal objects in Fort Worden bunkers and in the reactor building of the Satsop Nuclear Plant, in the state of Washington. Most sound sequences were algorithmically generated from this prerecorded material.

The violin is the instrument I play myself, and have a very personal relationship with, after many departures and comebacks. I see this piece as my own “reconciliation” with this one-of-a-kind instrument. 

I owe my special thanks to the Digital Arts and Experimental Media, University of Washington (dxarts.washington.edu). 

Ewa Trębacz