For general technical notes go to Electronics-general-notes.html

For solutions to common problems go to Electronics-common-solutions.html

General information

The electronics for this piece can be run with a Max patch that includes general reverberation and plays pre-recorded sounds.

Cues in the score must be triggered by either the conductor or one of the singers with a sustain pedal (or by another musician directly on the computer at the mixing desk).

In both rehearsal and performance the sound engineer/musician should read the score and adjust the relative levels of the voices and electronics on the mixing desk, according to the given context (musical interpretation, equipment, acoustics of the performance space).

Downloads

latest version (including sound files) does require Max installation

Technical requirements for the current version

1. -Macintosh computer equipped with an external audio interface compatible with Max (cf: www.cycling74.com), e.g. Motu: www.motu.com, Digidesign: www.digidesign.com, RME: www.rme-audio.com
   

2. -Sustain pedal (for Max triggering) connected to the computer through a MIDI keyboard, or through a MIDI interface and a voltage-to-MIDI converting device, e.g. MIDI Solutions’ Footswitch controller, see www.midisolutions.com
   

3. -Microphones for the eight singers (preferably headsets, e.g. DPA: www.dpamicrophones.com)
   

4. -Mixer & stereo diffusion (possibly return monitors for the conductor and the singers)
   

Performance notes

The amount of amplification required naturally depends on the performance space, but it should never cover the acoustic sound of the voices.

The ideal sound is a clear and rich 'close’ sound. The microphones should be placed as close to the mouth as possible.
The general level should be rather loud, but not painfully so.