Amproprification #9: Schrift/Bild/Schrift, Bernhard Lang

"Amproprifications" is a series of pieces for performers and electronics. The title is a combination of the terms "Appropriation" and "Amplification": In short, all Amproprifications are elaborate amplification layers for preexisting pieces by other composers. The parts of the performers consist in the performance of scores by other composers. One specific score is performed for each piece in the series. Not a single note of the original's text is being altered, nothing is added, nothing is omitted, nothing is being changed in any way. The electronics on the other hand solely consist of amplification. No additional sound whatsoever is being produced. The possibilities of interference span a large variety of movements, from almost inaudibly slow fadings to extremely fast and brutal chopping. In a figure of speech, all Amproprifications are "silent" pieces. They themselves do not contain or produce any sound. They do, however, constitute filters, readings, processings of the original pieces. The development of the amplification layers are very different each time and stem from aspects regarding structure and content that are based in the respective original: The originals are being superimposed with external layers which have their origin in the works itsself.

Amproprification #9 is a tribute to one of my favourite living composers, Bernhard Lang. In his work he explores both the concepts of looping/repetition and the trans- or recomposing of other composer’s pieces. “Schrift/Bild/Schrift” is one of the last pieces he wrote before starting to work on the “Difference/Repetition” series, which heavily focusses on loops and repetitions as a means to build musical progressions. Hence, in Amproprification #9 the amplification layer is comprised mostly of loops and repeating structures that remain fixed or change slowly, while the music underneath has a very different pace of development.