performance-installation by Marko Ciciliani (2018/19)
concert version 3.2.2
performed by Barbara Lüneburg (electric violin) and Susanne Scholz (baroque violin)
Donaueschinger Musiktage 2019
Alte Hofbibliothek
Co-production of SWR and IEM
commissioned by the SWR
made possible by an artistic research fund of the FWF (AR364-G24)
Audio recording: Davide Gagliardi
Video recording: NMZ media
"Steina" for violin, and live generated electronics, video and laser
Composed in 2015 by Marko Ciciliani
Performed by Barbara Lüneburg
Duration: 28 Minutes 30 Seconds
Recording assistance: Davide Gagliardi
Steadycam: Nick Acorne
In STEINA I am using a number of disparate elements: a solo violin, electronic sound generation, and live generated visuals in the form of video and laser.
The latter is primarily known as a rather spectacular medium. However, in this work I was primarily interested in using it as a rather restraint element, as a pencil drawing that is positioned in contrast to the video, which takes on painting-like qualities.
For me, a fascinating side of laser is its almost corporeal quality. Obviously, light is always ephemeral, but the intensity of laser often evokes the impression as if it would be possible to touch and hold it.
The exploration of corporeality is a reoccuring theme in this work. It manifests in the acoustic properties of the violin, which can be felt especially when played in extreme ways, as for example high registers or harshly struck double stops. Although the violin part often asks for a beautiful tone in the classical sense, the instrument is also often brought to states of sonic instabilities.
This is the point where the electronics connect with the instrument. They are entirely designed with chaotic oscillators (Lorenz attractors and Gingerbreadman mappings), that tend to behave in unstable ways, although a certain control can nevertheless be achieved.
Although the video predominantly looks like an abstract painting, it is entirely live-generated from images taken during the performance of the violinist. Here the theme of the corporeality returns, which, at certain moments also becomes recognizable in the video as a point of reference. At certain moments also the laser tracks the silhouette of the performer and blends them with more abstract shapes.
In this multimedia work I was not looking for a homogenous fusion of the individual elements. Rather, they are presenting an arrangement in the space in which they retain a certain independence, sometimes even conflicting with each other. The violinist uses altogether three playing positions and thereby navigates between the visual elements.
The title Steina refers to video pioneer and violinist Steina Vasulka who's early performance works for violin and live-video formed a conceptual point of reference, and a point of personal admiration.
This work has been supported by the Austrian SKE Fund. It has been written for Barbara Lüneburg
Heads up: the shoutbox will be retiring soon. It’s tired of working, and can’t wait to relax. You can still send a message to the channel owner, though!
