trace

for violin.piano

Trace was written for a dance project of Karin Post’s (Take) in 1994. The concept of the piece was based on the early computer drawings of Peter Struyken (who also created the lighting-design for the project), where simple algorithmic rules govern the direction of a line.
The basic structure of the four parts of the music is simply a progression of complexity from the ratio 1:2 - 2:3 - 3:4 to 4:5. These proportions are worked out on a rhythmic and structural level.

The way I approached the music was to imagine the percieved changes of the time expectancy when watching these lines being produced. Not only did they contain a inherent speed in themselves (the more calculations needed the slower the movement), but there seemed to be an implied time in the tension and release of the linear flow, which music could highlight.

1.2 MB MP3 excerpt (1st Mvt)
performance history:

premiered as part of dance performance Take of Karin Post in Springdance Festival 1994 - Anna McMichael (Violin) - Marc Reichow (Piano)

Recorded on NCRV radio live in 1994 as part of 'Document'

Appered on THD CD no.1

performed as concert version in Den Haag (KORZO - Thunderclaps) and Rotterdam (Avond van Yannis Kyriakides)

PDF download of violin part:

#1
#2
#3
#4

Peter Struyken Computer Drawings (1974)