C.R. Kasprzyk (b. 1981)
L!st3N
Lee Hinkle, voice
Kristin Bacchiocchi-Stewart, alto flute
Zachary Herchen, baritone saxophone
Rachel Gawell, cello
Adam Hopkins, contra bass
Catherine Pancake, metals/dry ice
Electronics
Recent works by Kasprzyk draw an intangible parallel between an awareness of one's surroundings and music transcribed from (or inspired by) this environment. In L!st3N, material was derived from analysis of a field recording (walking through Baltimore, MD), incorporating exact transcriptions of the conversations of a group of people, for example. Volatile at times, the piece lacks concern with traditional thoughts of what came before and what lies ahead, simply living in the moment. Harmonies were found in the field recording as well by delving into the acoustics of sound and pure physicality required of the incorporated instruments. The music also finds inspiration in an eclectic fusion of free improvisation, off-kilter pop/rock, and the evolution of western classical music, exploring the dichotomy of mixing strict notation with improvisation or other loosely based notational systems.
The spelling of the work’s title refers to the fast-paced world in which we live and reflects on particular cultures, some of which were found present in the original field recording. This pondering leads to concerns of who is left to feel the impact of today’s society on Earth and who may hold responsibility in such matters, encouraging a larger awareness of one’s surroundings. Listening: an act quite often unknown to our world leaders. We listen to the assurance of unremitting bloodshed throughout the world, accompanied by a complete disregard for the state of our environment.
L!st3N was written as part of the After Now Concert Series in Baltimore, MD; premiered on November 17, 2007 by Lee Hinkle, Kristin Bacchiocchi-Stewart, Zachary Herchen, Rachel Gawell, Adam Hopkins, and Catherine Pancake.