Aphelion: Concerto for Piano, Computer, & Orchestra (Sep. 2007)
Aphelion -The point in an orbit around the Sun at which an object is at its greatest distance from the Sun.
Aphelion is a concerto for Piano, Computer & Orchestra based around sounds collected from planets and satellites in our solar system. Scientists often translate the radio data they receive from celestial bodies into sound waves (a process called sonification) in order to understand better and interpret the data. A number of samples were collected and manipulated for the current piece including radio signals from Saturn, remnants of the Big Bang, and a black hole. In keeping with the celestial theme, Aphelion explores the concept of orbitation, through the use of cyclic themes and the sample of the satellite Sputnik which emerges from the texture at important structural points.
Work began on the concerto on the 2nd April 2007 with the majority of the work taking place in the studios at Royal Holloway University of London. The piece was written specifically for the MMus course but revised in September 2007 (completed 24th).
Performance Instructions:
The computer part of Aphelion is controlled by Apple Logic. A click track is provided for performance requiring the majority of performers to wear headphones of some type. It is advised that only sections leaders, the conductor and every other desk of strings wear headphones and hears the click track. The electronic parts include the aforementioned samples as well as synthesised sounds and pre-manipulated piano samples. The electronic parts are represented in the score by cues. These cues (labeled ‘Computer’) are just intended as a guide to the conductor.
Flutes 1 & 2 (doubling Piccolo)
Oboes 1 & 2
Clarinets 1 & 2 (doubling Bass Clarinet)
Bassoons 1 & 2
French Horns 1 & 2
Trumpets 1 & 2
Trombones 1 & 2
Vibraphone
Glockenspiel
Gong
Computer
Drum Kit
Piano Solo
Strings
The orchestra should be seated in the traditional layout. A PA of sufficient wattage and quality is needed for live performance. The speakers should be placed behind the orchestra in a manner to create the best stereo image for the venue. It is advised that a controller operates Logic during the performances and uses a mixing desk to balance the output on the fly. This can also be achieved in Logic by amending the automations or by routing the various tracks to different outputs.
Aphelion is a concerto for Piano, Computer & Orchestra based around sounds collected from planets and satellites in our solar system. Scientists often translate the radio data they receive from celestial bodies into sound waves (a process called sonification) in order to understand better and interpret the data. A number of samples were collected and manipulated for the current piece including radio signals from Saturn, remnants of the Big Bang, and a black hole. In keeping with the celestial theme, Aphelion explores the concept of orbitation, through the use of cyclic themes and the sample of the satellite Sputnik which emerges from the texture at important structural points.
Work began on the concerto on the 2nd April 2007 with the majority of the work taking place in the studios at Royal Holloway University of London. The piece was written specifically for the MMus course but revised in September 2007 (completed 24th).
Performance Instructions:
The computer part of Aphelion is controlled by Apple Logic. A click track is provided for performance requiring the majority of performers to wear headphones of some type. It is advised that only sections leaders, the conductor and every other desk of strings wear headphones and hears the click track. The electronic parts include the aforementioned samples as well as synthesised sounds and pre-manipulated piano samples. The electronic parts are represented in the score by cues. These cues (labeled ‘Computer’) are just intended as a guide to the conductor.
Flutes 1 & 2 (doubling Piccolo)
Oboes 1 & 2
Clarinets 1 & 2 (doubling Bass Clarinet)
Bassoons 1 & 2
French Horns 1 & 2
Trumpets 1 & 2
Trombones 1 & 2
Vibraphone
Glockenspiel
Gong
Computer
Drum Kit
Piano Solo
Strings
The orchestra should be seated in the traditional layout. A PA of sufficient wattage and quality is needed for live performance. The speakers should be placed behind the orchestra in a manner to create the best stereo image for the venue. It is advised that a controller operates Logic during the performances and uses a mixing desk to balance the output on the fly. This can also be achieved in Logic by amending the automations or by routing the various tracks to different outputs.
