CROSSCOURT (2008)
CROSSCOURT (2008)
for ensemble and electronics
ensemble: 1.0.1*.0.saxa/0.1.0.0./perc/koto/keyb/1.0.0.1.0/elec
duration: 11 minutes
première: October 2, 2008, ZKM Karlsruhe, Germany
International Ensemble Modern Academy
Commissioned by ZKM Karlsruhe and International Ensemble Modern Academy Frankfurt
CROSSCOURT
score preview
CROSSCOURT
(full recording)
October 2, 2008, ZKM Karlsruhe, Germany (première)
International Ensemble Modern Academy
Recording published on CD – Crosscourt by Edicije DSS
Additional performances
Bastra Ensemble
Conducted by Larysa Bauge
VIDEO
Video-project by Woltaire
Video-project by Woltaire
ABOUT
A further instalment in Žuraj’s cycle of compositions with titles pertaining to tennis, CROSSCOURT is scored for electronics and amplified instrumental ensemble. A “crosscourt” shot is one that is struck diagonally across the tennis court, often forcing one’s opponent to assume a position outside the field of play in order to effect a return. In keeping with this particularly competitive idea, the instruments in CROSSCOURT are paired off against each other as musical “opponents”.
This unusual situation is enhanced by the presence in the ensemble of the koto, a plucked string instrument originating in Japan, and an electronic keyboard that is tuned to a non-standard pattern, lending the music a curious harmonic quality. The electronics serve a dual function. On the one hand, they extend the tonal palette of the acoustic instruments. On the other, the sound of the keyboard is made to “move” about the auditorium. These processes are controlled by the somewhat curious trio of two joysticks and a set of electronic pedals.
Alwyn Tomas Westbrooke
A further instalment in Žuraj’s cycle of compositions with titles pertaining to tennis, CROSSCOURT is scored for electronics and amplified instrumental ensemble. A “crosscourt” shot is one that is struck diagonally across the tennis court, often forcing one’s opponent to assume a position outside the field of play in order to effect a return. In keeping with this particularly competitive idea, the instruments in CROSSCOURT are paired off against each other as musical “opponents”. This unusual situation is enhanced by the presence in the ensemble of the koto, a plucked string instrument originating in Japan, and an electronic keyboard that is tuned to a non-standard pattern, lending the music a curious harmonic quality. The electronics serve a dual function. On the one hand, they extend the tonal palette of the acoustic instruments. On the other, the sound of the keyboard is made to “move” about the auditorium. These processes are controlled by the somewhat curious trio of two joysticks and a set of electronic pedals.
Alwyn Tomas Westbrooke