wingbeat uses the flight formations of migratory birds as a model for listening and collectively maintaining energy. To conserve energy for long distance flights, birds fly in V formations, stagger their wingbeats, and react quickly to each other. Musicians are prompted to create sonic representations of this organically rhythmic phenomenon. The buildup of wingbeats earns moments of soaring, and sometimes flight is interrupted. The series of text cues aims to challenge and facilitate the project of sonic togetherness.
This work was inspired by the calls and sounds of six different birds - Western Meadowlark, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black Rail, Eurasian Nightjar, and Night Heron. Each of the four movements of this piece combines elements from several of the sounds or patterns that one or more of these birds produce and has them work together.
Like the rivers after which the piece is named, 'Tributary' moves through divergent figures that carve independent paths en route to a serene arrival. Their coalescence begets a haunting pulsation, an oasis under a cloud of uncertainty.
Homologous explores the multifold ways sounds can be heard and manipulated. Inspired by jazz, electronic music, and movement, the piece asks the performers to relate to one another as a sound source, commentator, live processor, and a movement listener, creating a listening practice based on these roles.
“Biophony" is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
