C.R. KASPRZYK

07.13.10 preview

// July 30th, 2010 // composition, environment, field recordings

I’ve found myself observing how prevalent power is in our society. The dependency on electricity, for example, has found an invisible place in our lives. (Field recordings left this painfully evident). With that, I’m exploring a variety of textures created by layering the sounds of computers, printers, TV’s, cars, electricity poles, coffee makers, etc. (as heard below).

Many of these electromagnetic fields will be utilized in a new piece I’m writing called 07.13.10. The work itself will take many forms: two or four-channel prerecorded electronics, as well as in its full version with baritone saxophone and harp, realized through the Eastman-based Mana Duo (Dannel Espinoza/Kristina Finch). The version without acoustic instruments will be premiered alongside other four-channel works in Baltimore, August 12th at the Red Room; the full version will likely premiere in early 2011 in Rochester, NY.

Samples of electromagnetic fields…

Learn more about the work and listen to an excerpt here.

Lemon

// July 9th, 2010 // field recordings

            

Under a dock in Ohio

// June 28th, 2010 // field recordings

Another aspect of the new website is the feature of various field recordings and/or photos that I capture. (Presenting the typically inaudible/ignored is a feature in my artistic pursuits and can raise an awareness of our beautiful, fragile environment). The following represents one of my first excursions since moving to the area. There are many aspects of the sound with which I am unhappy, but I hope that with my recently announced good news, I will be able to provide higher quality excerpts in the future. Regardless, I found beneath this dock an interesting juxtaposition between man and nature. I recorded above and within the water (i.e. the Maumee River); the latter is represented below…in all cases hearing abundant sources of life interspersed with the sounds of those man made (e.g. engines from passing skidoos).

Excerpt (1’34″)

Before I get hitched…

// June 3rd, 2009 // environment, field recordings, personal, running, technology

The results are in: 100+ miles and almost 20 lbs. long gone. My running escapades went so well I had to tone it down in the interest of my tux measurements for the wedding. I intend to strap on the running shoes again later this month.
I am extremely happy to see that my old friend and former running mate Bill Pasutti has (definitely) continued running since our high school days. To mark his first half-ironman, he is raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The fight against cancer is a subject close in my mind, and many others’. Please support this worthy cause by visiting this link.

On the musical front, I’m making great use of my self-made contact mics, as well as my new hydrophone. My take only audio, leave only footprints attitude to my surroundings yields a number of field recordings that will find their way into many upcoming projects. The first work will be a sonata that clocks in under 100 seconds, to be premiered this fall by Griffin Campbell and Mike Straus. A few other projects are on the horizon as I prepare to leave Virginia.

(To further actuate my musical/environmental interests, I have joined Ear to the Earth and hope to become more active in this wonderful community).

For now, I begin a quasi-hiatus. After all, only a few days from now…

I WILL BE GETTING MARRIED!!!

New Max Patch

// September 11th, 2007 // composition, field recordings, technology

Special thanks to Per Bloland for his recent work on an application that will prove quite valuable to me. My research in the incorporation of rhythm and texture found in field recordings demanded a more precise method of execution. Per’s app will certainly be used in my next work and many to follow.