Variations and Theme on Invisible Cities
for Piano and Live Electronics (2022)
This work is a result of a collaboration with pianist and singer Carolina Cury and Sonic Artist and guitarist Konstantinos Damianakis. It is inspired by the book ‘Invisible Cities’ (1972) by Italo Calvino (1923-1985). In it he makes the reader rethink many pretty much well-established concepts- chaptering standards in books, what is spoken language intended for, why we travel… He creates a space for adults to fantasise, places where everyday rules are forgotten and regular processes of our world do not take place. This piece tries to convey in musical texture or structure the ideas, actions or landscapes of some of the cities. Approaches chosen by the composer are subjectively thought of as architectural- the music is built angularly, from cells or certain intervals. Pitch and harmony are a result of rather strict adherence to set rules in manipulating the theme. Variations provide diversity- sounding as well as performative- different modes of playing are employed throughout.
More information on individual variations, electronics and motion tracking can be found in the score.
First performance by Carolina Cury (2022) at the Halford Prize (Winning Entry)
First concert performance at New Lights Festival 2022 by Carolina Cury