Paths (2001-2002) octophonic electroacoustic music, concert version and sound installation, also stereo version
[performed by David Eagle, computer]
[performed by David Eagle, computer]
Paths is a kinetic sound composition (originally a sound installation and live performance) that immerses the listener within a texture of moving sounds – sounds from the environment, imagined sounds, instrumental sounds, voices and spoken words. They are always moving, following different paths, being transformed along the way, and transforming the listener in the process.
Where does a circle begin? In the installation, eight speakers are arranged in a circle around the listeners. And like a circle – and unlike most compositions – Paths does not have a definite beginning, middle, or end. The passage of time and music is experienced differently and the expectations of both the listener and the composer are not as conventionally goal-directed. When we walk along a path and listen – for instance, in the mountains or a forest – we do not expect a contrived climax to arrive, rather we experience and immerse ourselves in the environment. This is probably the best way to experience the work, to listen openly and without expectation, to listen both spatially and temporally.
Paths was created as an interactive work with the composer performing on a laptop computer using a sound diffusion system developed in MaxMSP. A visualization map was used to shape sonic gestures and textures, many of them using chance and aleatoric techniques.
Where does a circle begin? In the installation, eight speakers are arranged in a circle around the listeners. And like a circle – and unlike most compositions – Paths does not have a definite beginning, middle, or end. The passage of time and music is experienced differently and the expectations of both the listener and the composer are not as conventionally goal-directed. When we walk along a path and listen – for instance, in the mountains or a forest – we do not expect a contrived climax to arrive, rather we experience and immerse ourselves in the environment. This is probably the best way to experience the work, to listen openly and without expectation, to listen both spatially and temporally.
Paths was created as an interactive work with the composer performing on a laptop computer using a sound diffusion system developed in MaxMSP. A visualization map was used to shape sonic gestures and textures, many of them using chance and aleatoric techniques.