Ground Zero

'Ground Zero' presents a reflection on images of the ongoing Syrian civil war. The electronics function entirely to modify the sound of the Cello, making this piece very much a duet as the phrasing is dependent on complete synchronisation between the two. The development of the harmony, which makes functional use of the 24-note microtonal chromatic scale, is mirrored by developments in the spectrum of the final sound produced by the cello and electronic modulation, creating a strong link between harmony and timbre. The generative material for the music in Ground Zero is the natural harmonic glissando. 

There are many aspects to this sound and these are all expanded upon over the course of the piece:

• Rapidly fluctuating sound as the harmonics constantly change.
• A constant sense of the fundamental pitch which can be perceived even through all these harmonics.
• The pure, sine wave-like sound of the harmonics.
• The brief patches of white noise which occur in between harmonic nodes.
• The glissando.

'Ground Zero' was featured in IFiMPAC 2016 at Leeds College of Music.

Live audio recording of the Première of my piece for Cello and Live Electronics at the Chimera Concert in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall on 27th February 2015.

Performers:

Cello - Miri Nohl
Electronics - Omar Peracha

Video 1: Premiere at the Chimera Concert in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall on 27th February 2015.

Performers:

Cello - Miri Nohl
Electronics - Omar Peracha

Video 2: Performance at The Venue, Leeds College of Music, IFiMPAC 2016.

Performers:

Cello - Miranda Harmer
Electronics - Henry Chatham