An outgrowth of the concept of the double helix, which is a pair of parallel helices intertwined around a common axis as illustrated in the structure of the DNA molecule, the five parallel helices that unfold in sound on a common temporal axis in Jacob’s Helix are inspired by five contrasting themes which, themselves, are inspired by the original sounds. These themes include the biblical story of Jacob’s ladder, Jacob’s ladder in science known as the high-voltage moving electric arc, percussive sounds and their place in traditional Japanese music, modern dance and the aesthetic influence of Pierre Henry.

In the context of the themes, at times harmonic spectra infuse the common temporal axis around which inharmonic and noise-based spectra are intertwined and at other times inharmonic and noise-based spectra infuse the common temporal axis around which harmonic spectra are intertwined.

Unlike my previous works, where highly charged sections often alternate with quieter ones, the form of Jacob’s Helix constantly moves a Baroque space forward in time, using the notion of “variation-permanence” as propelled by its parallel helices.

The sound material in Jacob’s Helix is derived from 50 high-quality recordings of play sequences using sounding-bodies that were made by Jean-François Laporte at Productions Totem contemporain in Montréal (Québec). This sound material required a different compositional approach in terms of sound transformation and musical form.

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Jacob’s Helix was realized in 2023-2024 in the composer’s studio in Brussels (Belgium) and was premiered on June 9, 2024 during the Reflets sonores festival organized by the Belgian Federation for Electroacoustic Music (FeBeME-BeFEM) in the Chapelle de Verre de Fauquez in Braine-le-Comte (Belgium). Jacob’s Helix was composed with support from the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles — Service des musiques. Thanks to Pia Keiding for her invaluable help.

Premiere

• June 9, 2024, Reflets sonores: Concert 3, Chapelle de Verre de Fauquez, Braine-le-Comte (Belgium)