2124
Konstantine Vlasis
2124 is a data sonification work for percussive rudiment and glacier ice. Projection data that maps the future recession of the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier in southeast Iceland informs the ever increasing tempo of the piece. Based on this data set, alongside the continuously repeating left hand (L) and right hand (R) sticking pattern (LL-R-LL-RRRR; 2-1-2-4), each iteration of the rhythmic sequence represents one year of time. In this way, listeners are able to experience the projected change-rate of the glacial mass over the next century. Additionally, a series a microphones and field recordings create a sound design narrative. Over the course of the work, the audience is sonically transported from the glacier’s surface, through the ice itself, to a cave beneath the glacier.
The reverb filtered employed within this audio mix was recorded as a series of impulse responses within an ice cave beneath the video performance site. The slow change of ice acoustics, alongside the integration of meltwater sounds, is meant to amplify the state change of glaciers from solid ice to liquid water. 2124 is an art-science collaboration led by the environmental composer and National Geographic Explorer, Konstantine Vlasis, who has spent the past two years recording Iceland's glaciers. His research focuses on how music can be a means for climate communication and environmental storytelling, and has been supported by the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation, New York University, Fulbright, National Science Foundation, and National Geographic.
Project Collaborators:
The performance video for this piece was supported by the music and production ensemble, APEX Percussion. APEX Percussion includes Jake Lyons, Chris Parker, Marcus Neudigate, and Konstantine Vlasis. Produced by Jake Lyons Performed by Chris Parker Audio by Yi-Wen Lai-Tremewan Directed by Marcus Neudigate Special Thanks To: Dr. Þorvarður Árnason Dr. Kieran Baxter Snævarr Guðmundsson Haukur Ingi Einarsson New York University Háskoli Íslands Glacier Adventure Innovative Percussion
