Freibrief für einen Traum

for soprano, flute, cello, percussion and electronics
Year: 1995
Duration: 12:30 min
Studio: IRCAM, Paris
Date of first performance: January 13, 1996
By: Donatienne Michel-Dansac – soprano, Catherine Bowie – flûte, Antoine Ladrette – violoncelle, Jean Geoffroy – percussions, Pierre-André Valade – direction

based upon the poem Es wird später by Karl Lubomirski

 

The tape sounds of this composition are based on recordings of the spoken text and the instruments. Initially, I composed 25 short melodies as well as a four-part counterpoint, which was recorded with the German text and its French translation. The electroacoustic part is divided into two sections: one surrounds the audience, offering soundscapes and spatially expansive movements, while the other is positioned on stage and engages directly in dialogue with the soprano and the instruments.
The structure of the composition is based on the number 5: five large sections, each subdivided into five subsections, form the harmonic framework built upon five five-note chords. These chords also served as the starting point for the 25 short melodies recorded initially, which were processed on tape.

Recording of the premiere

Karl Lubomirski -

ES WIRD SPÄTER

ES WIRD SPÄTER

Es wird später
Vögel ziehn nach Norden
wieder ohne mich
Am Wegrand kniet die erste Blume über grauer Krume
stehn schon Lerchen

Tage tragen ihren Lorbeer
in die leichten Flüsse
Über Tempelstufen sonnenschwerer Meere schreitet Blütenstaub ins Leere

Es wird später

IL SE FAIT PLUS TARD

Il se fait plus tard

Des oiseaux vont vers le nord
sans moi de nouveau
Au bord du chemin la première fleur s'agenouille
au-dessus de la croûte grise
des alouettes déjà

Les jours portent leur laurier
dans les rivières légères
Sur les marches du temple de mers lourdes de soleil
s'avance vers le ciel le pollen

Il se fait plus tard

(Traduction: Jacques Legrand)

Performance details

download parts:

flute part
cello part
percussion part

(the soprano sings from the score)

Electronics

The electronic part is realized as an Max/MSP patch.

 

Discussions with Brice Pauset and Jacopo Baboni Schilingi / composing / premiere