Danish composer Simon Steen-Andersen will present a multimedia interpretation of Kurt Schwitters’ “Ursonate” at Ircam in Paris on November 5 and 6, as part of the Festival d’automne. The work, by the Dada artist, is built around vocal sounds and language.
Steen-Andersen has described his music as being driven primarily by “energies” rather than by timbre, melody or rhythm. His work often brings visual elements into performance, giving musicians a theatrical role and the composer a role closer to that of a director.
That approach was already evident in “In Her Frown,” a 2007 piece for two sopranos. Its performance directions include one singer performing with her mouth closed and the other singing without breathing while exaggerating the articulation of consonants. Steen-Andersen has also used lighting and video projections in his work.
Sources: Le Monde Culture.