Weld (2015)

WELD Based on the paintings of Walter Trecchi

(2011/2015)

by Anthony T. Marasco

for iPad (Curtis app), four circuit bent radios, and computer (6-channel audio playback)

Software sound file player with timer and audio created by composer Curtis iPad app created by The Strange Agency Based on paintings from the Cantieri series by Walter Trecchi

Performing Weld Inspired by the Cantiere series of paintings by Italian artist Walter Trecchi, Weld is a multi-movement, improvisatory piece for iPad, circuitbent radios, and prerecorded audio. The audio track is mixed as a 6-channel audio file, sending two channels through the house audio system and the remaining four channels through individual radios placed on stage around the performer. The iPad performer uses the Curtis granular synthesis app to manipulate a prerecorded sound file that contains raw samples of various sounds found throughout the backing audio track. The player manipulates this audio file by running their finger over the waveform displayed on the iPad’s screen, while also changing effects and sampling parameters such as reverb, delay, and grain size. Since the iPad performance is entirely improvised, there is no traditional score provided. An Audio Cue Sheet for the first movement only is included with these notes due to the dense textural layout of that movement. For the second movement, all iPad performance gestures, as well as circuit bends moments, should be designated by the performer. Information on circuit bending procedure for the radios can be found in the following pages.

The user interface for the Curtis app. A visualization of the selected waveform region is displayed in the center

i

The following stage and audio set-up should be adhered to for the performance:

†= audio from computer sent into Aux In ports on radios § = iPad audio should come from an onstage amplifier (keyboard amplifier preferred)

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Additional Requirements: ∇ Important entrances of sounds and their sources (i.e. Radio 1, House Sound System, etc.) are displayed on the Audio Cue Sheet to help the iPad performer visualize the compositional organization of the pre-recorded audio track for Movement 1. The iPad portion of the sheet is intentionally left blank so that the performer may write in any indicators or symbols necessary to help organize their performance. ∇ Before the performance, the iPad performer should become familiar with the Curtis app’s user interface and effects capabilities. A user manual for the app can be found at www.thestrangeagency.com and within the app ‘s menu. ∇ The radios should be small, portable “boom boxes” that have working speakers and Aux In functions. The composer has uses

GPX, Inc. R602B Portable AM/FM radios due to their low cost point and ease of circuit modification. The volume on each radio should be set to the highest level that doesn’t produce any drastic distortion of the audio coming from the speakers. Bends can be made at the performers discretion, but they must be able to be activated and deactivated at various points throughout the performance. It is suggested that the majority of bending be reserved for the second movement, and that there be at least one of the flowing modifications on no fewer than two of the four radios in total: o Pitched drone: patching between various spots on the amplifier circuit can create sustained pitches. It is suggested that the patch contain either variable resisters (potentiometers) or capacitors to modify the pitch and/or register of the drone. A push button or patch cable to make and disable the patch throughout the performance are essential additions. o Fuzz distortion: depending on the radio chosen, patching between ground of the circuit and the main logic IC (found on many contemporary portable radios) while adding a series of in-line capacitors and a single potentiometer can create a “fuzz” distortion effect. Wiring a toggle switch or patch cable connectors in order to make and disable the patch throughout the performance is essential.

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For Maccagno

iv

I

Audio cue sheet

Anthony T. Marasco [b.1986-]

Commissioned by the soundSCAPE international Music Festival, 2011

iPad

Static; seeking through stations

1

Bit crush opera aria

Compressed truck brake

Italian pop song, Severe bit cruch

2

Compressed truck motor

"Per esem-pio a-des-so ..."

De ase

cre

Radios

bit

Bit crushed stopped piano

cru

Bit crushed stopped piano

sh

3

an

hp oug thr

Bit crush opera aria

Italian pop song

4

Italian pop song, heavy reverb

"Per esem-pio a-des-so ..."

Bit crushed stopped piano

"Per esem-pio a-des-so ..."

Compressed guitar with reverb

Distorted synth ostinato

[0:55]

House Sound System

Bass piano octaves with heavy reverb

Mellotron Strings

0:00 †44

0:06 !

0:16 0:20 0:25

0:44

1:00

Š 2011 Anthony T. Marasco

1:14

1:22

1:46

2:06