Created and produced by Anna Friz at Skálar | Sound Art | Experimental Music, Seydisfjördur, East Iceland. Excerpted from “Two Sleeps”, a radio artwork produced for Radio Arts, UK. Recorded in 2015. Taken from the Soundplay 2014 CD compilation by Laznia Centre for Contemporary Art, 2015.  

Among other artists contributing are also: Christina Kubish (DE), BJ Nilsen (SE), Jana Winderen (NO), John Grzinich (EE/US), Kacper Ziemianin (PL), Roger Döring (DE) & Konrad Korabiewski (PL/DK/IS), Martyna Poznańska & Jacob Eriksen (PL), Porcje Rosołowe (PL), Rudy Decelière (PL)                                                                                                      More info: http://artandsciencemeeting.pl/?p=2478&lang=en

Anna Friz | Air Can Break Your Heart | excerpt

Sonic Cradle (2015) commissioned by DeutschlandRadio for Ultraschall Festival - 1 1/2 extract from 12 minute work.
The composed part of sonic cradle is based entirely on field recordings captured during a residency in The Arctic. I spent 3 weeks recording above, inside and deep below the Arctic ice. The aural score/ stereo playback part is composed entirely of these field recordings and attempts to merge this extraordinary places quiet, vast and isolated exterior with its explosive and sonically rich underworld. The materials and structural layout focus on the huge sonic spectrum of ice/water and its ever-evolving shapes, contours and layers. Water in all its forms, its hypnotic flow and instantaneous speed changes and jolts, are interpreted here. The pacing and flow of this work is informed by my memory of a brief but intense time spent in this place. My memory of the way things moved, the rapid changes, the light, the ‘loaded’ silence and the endlessness. The performer is asked to prepare for this work by; reading some text, watching a reflective documentary made by the composer, looking at photographs (which the audience will see) and of course listening to the aural score and directed notes. All preparation aims to ‘set-the-scene’ so that when the sound enters it is already loaded with context.

Sonic Cradle (2015) Extract by K.Power, performed by B.Luneburg

I am an Irish composer, sound artist and improviser based in Cork, Ireland. My work employs two primary sources; acoustic instruments and everyday sound-objects/environmental soundscapes. I hear and work with these two sources both separately and collectively, with each musical concept dictating the medium employed.  My creative output is diverse, both in its approach and delivery, seeking to capture and translate the essence of an idea through a variety of forms, media and methods of dissemination. For example, recent compositions have been presented as orchestral works, sound installations, string quartets, wordless opera, collaborations between sound and dance, sound and image, free + guided improvisations, solo instrumental works, duets and musical happenings.

Every day environments and how we hear every day sounds lies at the core of my practice, with a continued interest in blurring the distinction between what we consider ‘music’ and all other sound. I have listened and recorded in some of the worlds most isolated and challenging locations: The Arctic, Amazon, Namib Desert and Outback Australia and have found inspiration in the natural world when allowed to unfold. My compositions utilise our inherent familiarity with such sounds as a means of engaging with musicians and audiences. Many of my works are devised to ensure that an active listening environment is created and shared between all during any performance. Resulting works simultaneously challenge every listeners memory of hearing while presenting new contexts for such sounds. I see my work as a continual learning experiment with each new work simultaneously absorbing something from its predecessor and breaking new ground for what is yet to come.
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Developing in parallel with composition is my practice as an improviser and educator. As an improviser I specialise in using environmental/everyday sounds/place as catalysts for constructing new sound-worlds. Such improvisations - whether solo or ensemble - offer unique interactions related to time, sonic sculpting and gesture. My educational work outside of Tertiary Education focuses on early years and my development of Natural Creators Program, which aims to harness and shape the natural curiosity of our youngest ears.

Sonic Cradle (2015) Extract by K.Power, performed by B.Luneburg

karenpower

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