Synchro (Cicada) came about after reading about the incredible emergence of Brood X, the latest Cicada brood to emerge in the spring of 2021. This rare event, occurring every 17 years, is rivalled in its visual impact only by the cacophonic song produced by the rapid buckling and unbuckling of drum-like tymbals in the Cicadas’ abdomen.

Aside from the incredible sounds produced by the insects, the precise synchronicity achieved between billions of individuals, measurable down to the day, interested me greatly, and is a factor I attempted to explore in Synchro (Cicada). Synchronization between extremely fast-moving parallel drum-machine beats to create a cohesive structure at both the micro and macro level was an attempted goal throughout the piece.

Micropolyphony was also employed as a means of applying line and gesture to repeating ostinato figures and textural material, in order to shape a larger sense of form throughout the piece.

Synchro (Cicada) for Jaw Harp, Shaker, and Analogue Drum Machine

Contemporary Music Composer | Sound Designer

Alex Eddington is a composer of experimental and not-as-experimental music for concert stage, electronic media, theatre and dance.  

He is also a writer, theatre performer, music/drama teacher and professional opera surtitlist.

Find out more at www.AlexEddington.com
 
Alex's compositions have been performed by professional ensembles like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Continuum Contemporary Music, and student musicians at organizations like the Suzuki String School of Guelph.

Alex has performed his own original theatre across Canada on the Fringe Festival circuit, and created music/sound for more than 20 theatre and dance productions across the country.

Alex’s music has been recorded by the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra and
released worldwide on their album Canadian Panorama.
His piece "Bubblegum Delicious" was released on the Cambria label in November 2017.

Recent/upcoming commissions: Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Chronos Vocal Ensemble, Toronto Brass Quintet, Jumblies Theatre, Toronto Consort.

Created music for the play "Dark Heart" (Thought For Food Productions) in January 2018.

Synchro (Cicada) for Jaw Harp, Shaker, and Analogue Drum Machine

Steven Webb