Of definitions of “ground” was composed in reaction to the sound of the electrical utility frequency or ‘mains hum’, which can sometimes be heard through loudspeakers and amplifiers. It is generally considered an ‘unwanted’ noise, often caused by interconnection of electrical equipment that results in there being multiple paths to the ground, also known as a “ground loop”. Many of my concert experiences, as a composer or listener, have been coloured by trying to eliminate or ignore this sound. And so, I wanted to create a work where this sound is instead the focus. The harmony of the work is built around this hum and its harmonic series, and much of the instrumental writing attempts to simulate related electroacoustic phenomena, such as harmonic distortion and feedback. 

Because the electrical utility frequency is different in different countries (for example, in North America it is 60 Hz and in Europe it is 50 Hz), there are two different versions of the score, depending on where the piece is performed. In reflecting on the way this sound connects us to place, the work subtly incorporates field recordings which also differ between the two versions, linking to the sites of the premiere performances in Québec and Belgium. The piece is then a meditation on the way sound can “ground” us or connect us to a feeling of familiar ground.  

Of definitions of “ground” was commissioned by Le Vivier for Ensemble Hopper with support from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Recording: 10 May 2019, Église Sacré-Coeur, Chicoutimi. Recording engineer: Pascal Beaulieu

Of definitions of "ground" (60 Hz version)- Ensemble Hopper

James O’Callaghan is a composer and multimedia artist based in Berlin. His work has been described as “very personal… with its own colour anchored in the unpredictable,” (Goethe-Institut). It spans chamber, orchestral, live electronic and acousmatic idioms, audio installations, video-music, site-specific performances, electronic dance music, and interdisciplinary collaboration — most recently with choreographer Edouard Lock and artist Lois Brown. In 2016 an album of his acousmatic works, Espaces Tautologiques, was released by empreintes DIGITALes, and his extended collaboration with Ensemble Paramirabo resulted in a portrait album of his works in 2019, entitled Alone and unalone.
	His music has received nearly forty prizes and nominations, including the ISCM Young Composer Award (2017), the Salvatore Martirano Award (2016), and the SOCAN Foundation John Weinzweig Grand Prize (2014). Significant nominations include those for the Gaudeamus Award (2016), Prix Métamorphoses (2018), and two JUNO Awards (2014, 2020). In 2021 he received the Prix Opus for “Composer of the Year.” 
	Active as an arts organiser, he co-founded and co-directed the Montréal Contemporary Music Lab. Originally from British Columbia, he lived in Montréal for 11 years and since 2022 has been based out of Berlin.

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International Vermin Conspiracy
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The vermin will outlive your grand children's grand children.
Like Mickey Mouse the vermin is eternal.
: )
Antifa is my cousin.  I heard some people were looking for her.  Since I like to be helpful when I can, she was in Alexandria last time I talked to her, three weeks ago.  I think she mentioned going to Zurich in the near future.
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As I understand it a conspiracy is supposed to be secret so please don't tell anyone.

Is it 1984 already?!?!
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I have not been able to recover access to my other account [https://soundcloud.com/ha-kekong] for a couple of years.  I have tried a few times to get back into it but SoundCloud doesn't trust me.  Same phone number, same email addresses, and they still claim that they can't verify my identity.  I created that account about three years ago as a substitute to my regular account which SoundCloud temporarily closed.  They closed it as part of some upgrade procedure in their system, the result of a bug that affected many accounts, about two years ago.  Since SC did not inform its users I didn't know if that was permanent or not, so I created that other account which I can't access.  Don't be mad if I have not replied to your message in the past two years, that's because I never got them ; ) ... You can always reach me here though.
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This one here (957729823) is for regular folks.

I love you, both.

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You can't see it because of the angle with which I took the shot, aiming down, but beyond those blocks is the sea.  To the left is the Mediterranean, to the right is the Atlantic Ocean.  No it's not Gibraltar, but a little bit further West. ... Actually I checked recently and it is further North more than West, I thought I was facing South when in fact I probably was facing the Atlantic ocean, which is why I suppose the waves were of a decent size where we were.
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My face and the bike are a courtesy of Joël Vaudreuil
[https://vimeo.com/user8897093]  ... Merci Joe!
I then went ahead and butchered his work with a borrowed helmet.
... Sorry Joe. =(
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I'm trying to promote what I think is good music, so if you want to help out a bit I'd rather you [like] or [repost] my *playlists* rather than my field recordings, if you don't mind, unless you are a die hard fan of those things. Thank you ; )

I speak French, so if you send me a private message, and that you are a francophone, please write in French, thank you.  ... I mean, you don't absolutely have to, but I would prefer it. 

All my field recordings (except for when I record a person) are public, freely downloadable by anyone who is able to click on the button.  I encourage anyone interested to use them in any way whatsoever, on purpose or accidentally. No need for permissions or credits or any other kind  of administrative maneuvers.
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Anarchists give me hope.

I'm a big fan of EFF.  Love ya EFF.  (no connection with the above line)
... and of course Richard Stallman and Linux and all the others.  Bless yous.

Now don't be lazy, go find out what it is this "EFF" that I'm talking about.  I'll give you a hint: it has to do with computers.

You have a nice day now.  Hugs & Kisses.

Of definitions of "ground" (60 Hz version)- Ensemble Hopper

James O'Callaghan