Lissajous (2012)
for vibraphone and electronics
Commissioned by Adam Groh
The Lissajous curve, a parametric graph which, represented visually, resembles a three-dimensional knot, serves as the inspiration for the structure and motivic material in this electroacoustic work. The musical ideas draw on minimalist and 12-tone traditions (strange bedfellows), while the electronic elements – built from simple sinusoids, FM synthesis, and processed vibraphone and Thai gong recordings – serve alternately as accompanist and soloist throughout the piece. The vibraphone’s motor speed dial is manipulated as an effect, and granular processing, distortion and other guitar-style effects serve to further augment the instrument. All processing and cueing done in Max/MSP.