Shadows are the dark faces of light, the unexplored view of reality. Obscure or transparent, threatening or airy, a shadow always suggests motion. During the compositional process of this piece, I was exploring with great fascination the kinetic possibilities of shadows as well as the different types of gestural behaviour that could create their motion. Some of the main tools for simulating the complex kinetic behaviours of shadows is the glissandi and portamenti, which dominate the piece and serve as the vehicle that guides the ear within the space frame. Long, superimposed trajectories converse and are often opposed to micro-kinetic structures. The generative idea throughout the piece is Heracletus’ principle of the opposed duality. According to the Greek philosopher, an opposed duality contains two poles. Although seemingly opposing, these poles are interdependent and mutually connected. Their inherent and dynamic unity are the consequence of counterbalancing forces and kinetic behaviours. Light and shadow are the two poles of an opposed duality. The continuous transformation from light to shadow creates the delicate harmony of the piece.

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Shadows was realized in 2000 at the studio of City University London (England, UK) and premiered in 2000 at the City University London. Shadows was awarded an Honorable Mentions at the 4th Concurso Internacional de Música Eletroacústica de São Paulo (CIMESP ’01, Brazil), and the 22th Luigi Russolo International Competition (Varese, Italy, 2000). It was a finalist at the Concurso Internacional ART’S XXI (Valencia, Spain, 2001), and at the 28th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music and Sonic Art Competition (France, 2001). Thanks to Eleni Mpratsou for her voice and Rupert Dejonge for his doublebass.

Premiere

• 2000, Concert, City, University of London, London (England, UK)

Awards

• Mention, Fixed medium, Concorso internazionale Luigi Russolo di musica elettroacustica 2000, Varèse (Italy)
• Honorable Mention, International Electroacoustic Music Contest of São Paulo 2001, São Paulo (Brazil)