Earth, Air, Fire, Water: the four fundamental elements of nature. But from the comfort of our homes can we really understand what happens in the horrors of conflict? The earth is scorched, the wind blows cold, fire destroys homes, it rains and yet there is no clean water to drink.

The music in Frictions has been developed from the sounds of rattles, gourd instruments and maracas I obtained in Zimbabwe and Brazil, as well as fricative sounds from a set of African drums.

We might just hear the voices crying from afar if we listen hard enough. This work is dedicated to the victims.

[source: Réseaux des arts médiatiques]

Premiere

• April 17, 1999, Multiphonies 1998-99: Concert, Salle Olivier Messiaen — Maison de Radio France, Paris (France)