Inharmonique (1977), for soprano and 2-track magnetic tape synthesized by computer at IRCAM.
     - Jean Claude Risset, composer
     - Janice Jackson, soprano

Inharmonique combines the voice of the soprano with a tape of computer-synthesized sounds. During most of the piece, the tape sounds are made up of "inharmonic" components, whise frequencies do not relate to each other as the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 ... Such configuratios are rarely found in instrumental and vocal sounds. The internal structure of the sounds brings out different relations between them.

The piece opens with noise bands in motion. Pure sounds then emerge and gather in increasingly rih layers. The voice first appears in the background, then it eventually breaks through the curtain of artificial sounds. It elaborates on the note A, whose harmonics are taken up by the tape. The pitch intervals broaden. The tape introuces imaginary bells, composed like chords, which then break up into fluid textures (this is obtained by transforming the temporal profile of its components witjout modifying their frequencies). The voice's intrusions become sparse but increasingly dramatic. The tape distanly echoes the voice (recorded and modified by computer). The singer's breath is submerged in surging bands of noise.

The tape was synthesized by computer at IRCAM. Inharmonique is dedicated to Irène jarsky who inspired it and who enriched the vocal portions. Recorded by Irène Jarsky, it appears on compact disk INA C1003 (together with Mutations, Dialogues and Sud by Jean-Claude Risset). The piece was also sung by a number of other performers, among which Neva Pilgrim, Kerstin Stahl, Linda Richardson, Olga Szwajgier, Linda Hirst, Akemi Mitsuishi, Brenda Hubbard-Mitchell, Jane Manning, Pamela Jordan, Janice Jackson ... 


Inharmonique by Jean Claude Risset

My name is Janice Isabel Jackson, I am a New Music Singer, specializing in the music of living composers using classical vocal techniques along with non-western singing styles, from overtones to multi-phonics to yodeling to...  I have sung over 200 world premieres and work with composers from around the world.   I am always excited by the new sounds my voice is able to make.  With each new piece I learn more and more about music and my instrument.

Inharmonique by Jean Claude Risset

Janice Jackson New Music