UPIC Diffusion Session #22

Haswell & Hecker
UPIC Diffusion Session # 22
Deep Spaces | Fri 25th Feb 2010 | Paradiso, Amsterdam

UPIC (acronym of Unité Polyagogique Informatique du CEMAMu) is a ‘graphic input’ musical composition tool, devised by the composer Iannis Xenakis in the 70s.  He used the system to compose a couple of works, but also wanted to make of it an ‘universal’ interface. In Xenakis words: “Anybody, even myself or you, or children, can draw lines or graphics with an electromagnetic ballpoint, and they are transformed by computer directly into sound … “

Russell Haswell & Florian Hecker worked with the system during a residency at CCMIX in Paris in 2003, and since then they have been presenting electroacustic diffusion sessions based in the project, using a variable setup using surround sound and engulfing lasers, which altogether create a powerful multisensory experience. This session at Sonic Acts made the number #22.

As expected, it was a superb experience, with contrasting moments of minimal subtlety, piercing tones and intense baths of sound and light. Last time I was in one of their sessions the venue was fully-packed; the spaciousness of Paradiso and being able to walk a bit around in the hall made it nicer, giving the opportunity to appreciate the spectacle from within different perspectives.

Check also:

http://haswellhecker.blogspot.com/
(w/ excerpts of previous UPIC diffusion sessions)

Xenakis, UPIC, Continuum: Electroacoustic & Instrumental works from CCMIX Paris
(Mode Records, 2001) 2CD Album

Florian Hecker: SUN PANDÄMONIUM (Mego, 2003) CD Album

Russell Haswell: Wild Tracks (Mego, 2009)  CD Album

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Photos: Oxalis Atindriyaratri
Text: Pablo Sanz