Anrmat
2025
An exploration of the sonic possibilities of 2 pianos, drone music, ring modulation and the spaces in between.
Listen to an excerpt
Anrmat was written for the Piano Duo of Esther Ropón and Ernst Surberg. Drawing inspiration from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Mantra, the work’s foundational thoughts are on Ring Modulation. While Mantra explores the ring modulation applied to the pianos‘ sound, my approach was to apply it to the underlying drone. Which in turn was spectrally analyized and used as the harmonic content of the piece.
The pianos are ornamenting the drone’s continoous movement, leaving spectral traces that invite microtonal beatings. The semi-improvisational notation coupled with traditionally notated passages creates a very distinct feel of time passing.
By the end of the piece the piano’s predominance in classical music is thematized with a wink.
The piece was premiered 18.05.2025 in Solitär in Salzburg.
Impressions
