[ga]:[ge]:[go]:[gu] (2008) for bass flute and MaxMSP

[ga]:[ge]:[go]:[gu], for bass flute and computer, was written for flutist Lisa Cella. The title of the piece comes from my continued study of the Korean language which with its ten vowels, has a distinctive timbral quality. At different points in the piece, various vowels are enunciated by the performer into the flute on both the attack and resonance of notes which elicits subtle varieties of timbral shades from the instrument. This timbral palette is further expanded through the use of microtones, multiphonics and the live electronic processing. During the performance, the computer generates slowly evolving textures from pre-recorded bass flute samples, sine tones and noise. In addition, the sounds produced by the live performer are also processed with a variety of techniques ranging from spectral filtering to feedback, creating unique timbres which blur the distinctions between the electronic and the acoustic. The electronics for the piece were realized at the Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie (Karlsruhe) and I would like to thank all the staff there for their assistance. The piece would not have been possible, however, without the tireless enthusiasm of Lisa Cella to whom it is dedicated.

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