Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Born out of a long-distance collaborative relationship between Dell and de Filippo, Spectral Breathing Apparatus explores the amplification of liminal sounds produced by wind instruments with the removal of the reed or mouthpiece - where tiny squeaks and breath sounds are brought to the fore. The work explores how these sounds, which are unstable and without a definite pitch, can create novel textures that then exist and interact within the simulated spaces produced by the fixed media. The performer traverses through sonic environments: some which evoke a glitchy chaotic energy, others that hint at a more natural space. The performer's breath, at times, is channeled through the instrument, but also against, as such the instrument itself is presented as an apparatus that both enhances and restricts the quality of their breath.

Work Details

Year: 2022

Instrumentation: Solo woodwind instrument (unspecified), live electronics (through puredata), stereo playback.

Duration: 16 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Dedication note: for Niamh Dell

Commission note: This work is supported by APRA AMCOS’ Art Music Fund & The American Australian Association.

The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc in relation to this work:
Electro-acoustic, experimental, environmental