Multiplication Virtuelle

Multiplication Virtuelle is a musical work written for solo percussionist performing on a wide array of pitched and non-pitched acoustic instruments. Audio signals taken from microphones placed in close proximity to each instrument are used to control a real-time computer-based electro-acoustic component. The execution of the electro-acoustic score is managed by the computer in real-time using Max/MSP. Multiplication Virtuelle explores the dramatic potential of combining acoustic instruments with specially tailored software-based electro-acoustic instruments.  A core feature of the software developed for the piece consists of a digital sound sampler and a signal–based triggering system. In an effort to offer a fresh listening experience, the composer thwarts the audience’s normal musical expectation by blurring the distinction between sample-based sounds and their acoustic counterparts. This effect is enhanced by carefully establishing and then breaking the connections between the visual and the aural synchrony.Multiplication Virtuelle was premiered by French percussionist Jean Geoffroy in 2004 at l’Espace de Projection at IRCAM in Paris during the Resonances Festival. This work was funded in part by the Composer Assistance Program of the American Music Center.