Few in Number

Abstract

My first work that implements voice and live sound processing, Few in Number uses the numbers found in the book titled “Numbers” in the Old Testament. The numbers in the first chapter of the book define the sectional proportions of my composition. The numbers were interpreted as seconds, and in some instances, divided by 2, to create smaller segments, without abandoning the original proportions of the numbers listed in the book. The main carrier of the aforementioned proportions is a composed vocal line, inspired locally by melismata typical of the Byzantine chant tradition. The live processing is a culmination of techniques and tools, as they were developed and adapted in the three semesters leading up to this work. The programming environment used is Max/MSP, developed by Cycling ’74®. My work features eight different processes. In order of implementation, these are: 1 infinite reverb, 3 harmonizers, 1 ring modulator, 1 general reverb, 1 comb filter, 1 delay (both variable and fixed), 1 granular sampler, 1 re-synthesis component, 1 record and playback module. Those processing modules are used either alone, or in combinations, augmenting the vocal part. The main goal of the work is to create an extended vocal performance, enriched by live sound processing. For that reason, only one section of the work features pre-recorded materials, whereas the rest are produced by the accompanying software in real time.