SEUFZERNSTADT – The City of Sighs (2007-2009)
Seufzenstadt – The City of Sighs – a vocal performance
Using the breath as a starting point, Seufzenstadt (City of Sighs, Cité-soupirs…) is a dynamic sonic exploration chronicling mortal expression from the ridiculous to the sublime. Every 3 minutes, a new cue is provided, triggering and ideological or emotional state that provokes the action of sighing. Using only voice and electronic modifications, a theatrical, non-verbal lecture on the many permutations of one sound is manifested.
The cues:
¡QUE LASTIMA¡
A HORSE IS A HORSE (OF COURSE OF COURSE)
THE “GOD” SPOT
MEAN RED AND THE BLUES
<3 !!
L'ÉPUISEMENT
WHY I OUGHTA!
THE DEATH RATTLE
NOT THIS AGAIN
L'ÉCHAPÉE BELLE
Each movement has its specific vocabulary, syncopation & tone. Employing an array of hi and lo-technology to effect, multiply and layer the transformed voice, a meditation on fear and desire emerges from a virtually wordless storytelling.
The premiere of this piece took place at the Kontraste festival in Krems, Austria, October, 2007 on a bill that included Diamanda Galás. It was subsequently presented at the OFF-TA (Montreal, 2008), The National Review of Live Art (Glasgow, 2009), The 24hr Art Marathon (St John’s, 2009) and Experimental Music Wednesdays (Ottawa, 2012).
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/16224852[/vimeo]
link to video
