for blandine & maciej

for harpsichord & computer, 17'00" 2022

for blandine and maciej is a composition for harpsichord and computer, consisting of a probabilistic transition between two close rational tunings. written during my Master's in Sonology, the piece encapsulates many of the areas explored throughout my research: rational tuning systems and harmony, probabilistic processes for generating computer-based music/scores, and composing/analyzing musical structures through the lens of computable processes. overall, the mixture or tensions between computer music and early music conventions occurs in the performance as well as in the listening of the piece. 

the harpsichord's tuning combines two slightly different extended just intonation systems for each keyboard. throughout the piece, the harpsichordist transitions from one keyboard to the other, and from one tuning to the other. the electronics are made of 24 sine waves following real-time, probabilistic processes, mirroring a similar transition between the two tunings found on the harpsichord while introducing additional microtones. lastly, because of the score's unmeasured feature, the harpsichordist has a certain freedom of interpretation and flexibility in his performance, potentially interacting with the electronics as they unfold.   

— inspired by Couperin's unmeasured preludes notation

— dedicated to the equally inspiring, open-minded, and gifted musicians Blandine Verlet and Maciej Skrzeczkowski.

performed by Maciej Skrzeczkowski on 21.06.22, mixed & mastered by Lilita Dunska