Microvariations II

Microvariations (in memoriam Jonathan Harvey) for instrumental quintet and live electronics was originally commissioned by Sond'Ar-te Ensemble (Lisbon) and first performed in March 2014. I compose at the piano and during the composition of this first version I repeatedly had the feeling there was a piano piece waiting to get out! In November and December 2014 I reworked the material into this new work Microvariations II. It was always intended as a gift to Philip Mead. The variations move through ‘local’ harmonies and tone colours – which are revealed in the end to be part of one large spectral sound space. The live electronics sample and freeze sounds, spatialise and immerse the audience. Jonathan Harvey was always an inspiration – I knew him for nearly 40 years as musician and friend. Especially in the field of electronic music he showed that the relationship of humanity and technology could be positive and enriching.