TREE / for orchestra                    audio/    6.5 min / 2006
for 10 musicians and tape:  
Violin I-II (14), Viola (10), Cello (8), Contrabass (6), Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and audio tape
                                                  
concept/ Audio illustration of the visual image.
An image of a bare tree was digitized and computer analyzed to generate the tape part, using time and pitch parameters. The result is a humming, sustaining sound field, functioning as a double pedal tone: in high and low register.   Pulsating vibration within the sound, falling in and "out of tune", constant gentle slides up and down in pitch, leaving an impression of growing tree - upon which concept this composition was based.  The visual image of  branches was used as a map for instrumental development and orchestration. Techniques used for the string instruments: / Pitch bend:  executed as very slow vibrato or slow (stretched ) slides by 1/8, 1/4, 1/2  tone up or down the pitch. Slow pulsation within the tone is creating impression of breathing, imitating subtle vibration of audio (tape) part.
The tape is used as sustaining pedal tone across the whole composition and a tonal /harmonic base of the piece, from which all pitches for instrumental parts are taken. Strings techniques are basically evolve around pitchbend, slightly falling in and out of tune,  pulsating in very slow pace, just like long breaths.  / workshop currated by: David Dramm /  www.daviddramm.com