Incantation S4

for tenor saxophone (1997)
with computer-generated sound
duration is 13′

Incantation S4 (1997) for tenor saxophone and computer-generated sound was my first composition for solo saxophone and electronics. The saxophone and computer-generated sound are conceived as equal elements in a single sound-space, each drawing inspiration from the other. The saxophone employs extended techniques such as multiphonics with varying spectral consonance, microtonal trills and circular breathing. The unique implementation of these techniques in the score were inspired by the granular synthesis approach used for the computer part. Similarly, the computer sound was influenced by the complex and expressive fluidity of the instrumental voice. Incantation S4 was premiered at Sala Hal in Barcelona and has been performed over 25 times in locations around the world. Incantation S4 is dedicated to Barry Truax.

score excerpt