Deviations (From Crossing The Bow Shock)
marc faris
About this work:
The bow shock is a huge bow-shaped shock wave resulting from the “collision” of the solar wind with a planet’s magnetosphere. deviations (from crossing the bow shock) was inspired by a recording of electrical field noise made by the Cassini spacecraft when it crossed Saturn’s bow shock in late June, 2004. I became fascinated by the “musical” properties of this astrophysical phenomenon – not only the recording, but the visual/aural idea of lines (the solar wind) deviating from their expected paths – and the piece evolved from there.
The work is cast in a relatively clear ABA’ form. In the opening section, an insistent, rhythmically jagged minor-third motif is gradually mutated and displaced by glissandi, quarter-tones and noise. Following the introduction of a throbbing bass pulse, the music becomes more meditative and lyrical in the middle portion, culminating in a barely-synchronized “duet” between the trombone and the electronics. In the final part, the minor-third motif returns, this time asserting itself as the dominant force. Throughout, the electronic accompaniment uses the Cassini recording as the primary source material, but listeners will note deviations.
deviations (from crossing the bow shock) was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, bass trombonist Aaron Misenheimer.
Year composed: 2004
Duration: 00:05:30
Ensemble type: Electronic Instruments and Sound Sources:Prerecorded Sound and Live Instrument(s)
Instrumentation: ,1 Bass Trombone soloist(s), 1 Prerecorded Sound (Tape/CD/Other), 1 Computer/Laptop
Instrumentation notes: Bass trombone solo. Solo performer may use optional amplification and processing. CD provided with part, includes click track and accompaniment. Sequencing software is required for live playback. Contact Gold Branch Music (www.goldbranchmusic.com) to order.