in a large, open space

2023 · realisation of James Tenney’s In a Large, Open Space (1994) for 32 granular synthesisers · <open jack>, Gaskell Building, Brunel University London, 11 December 2023

Tenney’s score asks for twelve or more sustaining instruments spread through a space in which the audience can move freely, softly playing pitches from ranges he specifies. In this electronic realisation the instruments are replaced by 32 granular synthesisers. A single piano tone is the only source material, organised into four harmonic structures that slowly orbit the listening space.

The realisation was premiered by <open jack>, the experimental electronic music ensemble Ruaidhri Mannion directs at Brunel. A video projection for the piece is in development.