Label: Challenge Records
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917365023
Catalog number: CR 73650
Releasedate: 05-02-27
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917365023
Releasedate: 05-02-27
- A groundbreaking instrument developed by Andrew Claes through his PhD research, combining saxophone performance, engineering, coding and real-time musical interaction.
- Live-generated algorithms respond to the musicians in real time, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same
- Strings, saxophone, double bass, synthesizers and robotic percussion merge into an extraordinary sonic experience
- Algorithms provide an evolving musical framework while leaving space for interpretation, spontaneity and artistic freedom
- Live-generated algorithms respond to the musicians in real time, ensuring that no two performances are ever the same
- Strings, saxophone, double bass, synthesizers and robotic percussion merge into an extraordinary sonic experience
- Algorithms provide an evolving musical framework while leaving space for interpretation, spontaneity and artistic freedom
The Codeberg Variations by Andrew Claes & Goeyvaerts String Trio is a live performance born from Claes’ PhD research of Arts, during which he set out to create the world’s first hybrid saxophone, by merging his engineering skills, coding and musical versatility into a single instrument and performance system. Adding to the sonic palette are acclaimed double bass player Pieter Lenaerts and a robotic percussion setup.
The hybrid saxophone captures live performance data in real time which is then fed into musical algorithms, evolving dynamic musical scores for the string quartet to be played at ‘prima vista’. The resulting scores, displayed on screen, are deliberately kept simple to play, allowing room for personal interpretation and even improvisation.
As the generated musical output is shaped by Claes’ musical input, a unique feedback loop emerges. Within it, improvisation influences the algorithmic output, which in turn inspires the next musical gesture.
The continuous stream of generated data is, apart from being visualized as a musical score for the quartet, partly routed to additional synthesizer parts and fed to a robotic percussion setup, consisting of mechanical levers that strike real drums and cymbals via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Sonically, The Codeberg Variations moves between emotionally compelling themes, electronic beat-driven crescendos, spectral ear-candy, while drawing on an anthology of historical serial and aleatoric music.
The central theme of hybridisation results in an amalgam of acoustic and electronic sounds, mixed composition techniques and a musical performance that blurs the boundaries between classical, jazz, electronic, cerebral and emotional music.
While algorithmic composition techniques provide an underlying architectural framework their dynamic inference ensures that each performance is truly one of a kind.
The hybrid saxophone captures live performance data in real time which is then fed into musical algorithms, evolving dynamic musical scores for the string quartet to be played at ‘prima vista’. The resulting scores, displayed on screen, are deliberately kept simple to play, allowing room for personal interpretation and even improvisation.
As the generated musical output is shaped by Claes’ musical input, a unique feedback loop emerges. Within it, improvisation influences the algorithmic output, which in turn inspires the next musical gesture.
The continuous stream of generated data is, apart from being visualized as a musical score for the quartet, partly routed to additional synthesizer parts and fed to a robotic percussion setup, consisting of mechanical levers that strike real drums and cymbals via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Sonically, The Codeberg Variations moves between emotionally compelling themes, electronic beat-driven crescendos, spectral ear-candy, while drawing on an anthology of historical serial and aleatoric music.
The central theme of hybridisation results in an amalgam of acoustic and electronic sounds, mixed composition techniques and a musical performance that blurs the boundaries between classical, jazz, electronic, cerebral and emotional music.
While algorithmic composition techniques provide an underlying architectural framework their dynamic inference ensures that each performance is truly one of a kind.