An observation of the world of mites under a musical microscope as they evolve on flat surfaces. The Typhlodromus pyri are semi-transparent mites which live along the veins of vine leaves. These veins are represented sonically by long, homogenous drones and the mites are portrayed by composite objects derived from granular synthesis. The musical discourse evokes the behaviour of mites and their various methods of proliferation: swarms fluctuate between various types of invasive proliferation (in the form of aquatic textures) and destructive proliferation (distorted materials created by DC offset excess). Extreme dynamic contrasts call to mind the effect of zooming in and out with a microscope, with abrupt mechanical adjustments and characteristic focus drift. And every so often, when the field of vision is expanded, the distinctive voice of the Typhlodromus pyri can be heard.

This piece is part of Nano-Cosmos, a cycle of acousmatic pieces dedicated to insects, small arthropods and microorganisms.

— Ana Dall’Ara-Majek [English translation: Stephanie Moore, iii-18]

Diaphanous Acarina was realized in 2015 at the Studio Blue Spider in Montréal (Québec) and premiered on March 20, 2015 in a concert produced by Distractfold at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester (UK). It was commissioned by the Distractfold Ensemble.

Premiere

• March 20, 2015, DF #26, International Anthony Burgess Foundation — Engine House, Manchester (England, UK)