Invisible Architecture in a Tower

Site-specific research, music publications, performance; 12 Inch LP: digital audio, stereo: ‘Becoming-Siren’, digital audio, stereo, 11’51”; ‘Becoming-Storm’, digital audio, stereo, 13’55”; C30 Cassette: digital audio, stereo: ‘Ghost of Resonance, part 1’, 14’57”; ‘Ghost of Resonance, part 2’, 14’57”. Part of the project ‘Invisible Architecture’ by Chrs Galarreta (composition) and Janneke van der Putten (voice). 

The site-specific performances of ‘Invisible Architecture’ take place in light-towers, art galleries, wastelands, churches, living rooms, and tunnels. Each site requires a new investigation, where the sound sources and the way in which the performance is developed, is chosen in relation to the acoustic response of the site.

‘Invisible Architecture’ is a research of Chrs Galarreta and Janneke van der Putten, highlighting acoustic phenomena hidden in a space. In the first version of this project, subtle acoustic phenomena of a light-tower were explored through its surrounding sounds and the acoustic reflections of the human voice. Resonant frequencies and reverberations were emphasized and prolonged with the interaction of the human voice and the echo, making recordings with unconventional microphone techniques. In the compositions and during the live performance, the intention was to make the acoustic reflections audible, more than the sound sources (the voice and surrounding sounds) that exited them. The tone modulations, breathing voice rhythm, and position and type of microphones used, were chosen in response to the qualities of the chosen site. From these variables drones, overtones and other acoustic phenomena appeared in the space.

This project was realized with an acoustic voice and a wire used as inter-communicator between the singer and the composer. Some works resulting from this experience have been published on vinyl and cassette.

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credits

Produced during an artist-in-residency at the Castle, Centre international d’art et du paysage, Île de Vassivière (France, 2013). Publications include 12 Inch LP 180 Gram Vinyl Record, edition of 300, label Aloardi (alo 56) and C30 cassette chrome, edition of 100, labels Barreuh and Aloardi. Composed by Galarreta between November 2013 and January 2014 in Île de Vassivière and The Hague, The Netherlands.

The first release of project ‘Invisible Architecture’ is a 12 Inch LP, 180 Gram Vinyl Record, published in July 2014. It was made by Chrs Galarreta (composition, mixing, microphone techniques) and Janneke van der Putten (voice). Recorded and performed in a tower & during van der Putten’s residency at The Castle, Centre international d’art et du paysage, Île de Vassivière (FR), 2013. Composed to be played at 45 or 33 rpm (setting pitch control of the turntable half tone down is strongly advised at 33 rpm). Edition of 300 vinyls with silkscreened inlay & cover. Poetic text (printed with black ink on black paper) by Galarreta & van der Putten. Design together with Koos Siep. Printed at De Mesh, Rotterdam. Published by label Aloardi. Supported by the Mondriaan Fund.

Read the reviews. Download the portfolio of ‘Invisible Architecture’.

Photo by Koos Siep.
Photo by Koos Siep.
Photo by Koos Siep.
Photo by Koos Siep.
Photo by Koos Siep.