Composed by Phil Edelstein Performers: Michael Johnsen, Phil Edelstein

Introduction

Shrieks and Nuptials was re-implemented in 2018 for performance at the Kitchen. The work is a duet for two performers with 2 rocking chairs sharing a chaotic sound generator performed using the sensors (IMU inertial motion units) in iPads. The sound generation is a digital implementation of the original analog circuitry.

The original premiered as part of the Composers Inside Electronics events at Festival d’Auomne in Paris in 1976 with dancer M. Heather Harris.

The work is intended to be adapted to interactive objects for visitor interaction for an installed version using commodity Arduino single board processors with on board IMU’s.

Performance Production Notes

MAX Patch with Mira iPad Sensors

This uses the Cycling 74 iPad Mira application where the physical orientation of the iPads modulates the setting on the user interface accessible to the performers. The performers have this control panel on the iPad’s that works in conjunction with the motion sensors.

Shrieks blocking

The performers have simple instructions for this performance.

Stage set with round table with computer and ipad1, rocking chairs in wings

Performer 1 one enters sr with ipad2. Does exploratory walk about , unmutes, with some introductory sounds 2-3 minutes.

Performer2 brings out rocking chair 1 and places sr of center. Exits sr .

1-2 mins. P1 sits , sounds.

After a bit, P2 brings out rocking chair2. Exits.

P1 switch chairs

p2 enters sits. P1 gives p2 ipad2.

P2 sounds a bit.  

Gives p2  Ipad2 back to p1.

P1 plays a bit.

P1 switches pads.  

Plays a bit.

Gives ipad1 to p2.

Plays a bit.

P2 Hands band to p1.

Both performers sound a bit sitting. 

After a bit, switch chairs.

Play a bit. Possibly a bit more sonic aggression. 

A silence.

One performer ties band to chair near center.  Picks up and starts playing with ipad1.

A duet, tethered and not.

A duet both untethered. Walk and sound about. Use available space and dimension.

Steps in reverse order.

mute.

Fade to black