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 sound files.

Cues in the score must be triggered by the viola player 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 viola 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

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. -Microphone for the viola (preferably headset, e.g. DPA: www.dpamicrophones.com)
   

4. -Mixer & quadraphonic diffusion (possibly a return monitor for the viola player)
   

Performance notes

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

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