Author: David Bola
Photo Credit: Slash9TV
Our relationship to time and its perception is subject to many variations. Some can be caused by complex phenomenons, such as relativity, others can be experienced everyday – think of dozing off while relaxing at home or losing the track of time due to concentration. However, some are unique ripples, crafted by the unique composition of musical pieces, transporting listeners and performers alike in a space removed from the regular flow of time.
Attendees of Nuits sonores Brussels opening night in Bozar’s Henry Leboeuf hall could attest to such a feeling. That night, sonic scientist Max Cooper and Bruce Brubaker presented Glassforms, a node between electronic music and contemporary classical music.
From “Mad Rush” to “Metamorphosis 2”, this performance features improvisational lyricisim extended from original compositions taken in acclaimed composer Phillip Glass‘ repertoire. To do so, Cooper uses a specialized-tool that coats the melody with electronical elements born out of the smallest of movement generated by Brubaker‘s fingers on the grand piano’s keys. The project, released in 2020 on Infiné, was commisiond by La Philarmonie de Paris in 2019 and polished during the first lockdown.
In this exchange conducted by David Bola, the two performers reflect on Philip Glass‘ impact on modern culture, the necessity study the relationship between art and science (and in doing so, voiding the precepts separating them), and take us in the creative process of “Glassforms”.
For more stories from We are Europe, sign up to our newsletter down below. Nuits sonores Brussels also featured club nights in its programme, with acts like Jasss, Daniel Avery b2b Haai, and emerging artists, like MIMI who shared a conversation with us on her relationship to textures and sound. Take a look.
About the Author
David Bola is We are Europe Media‘s content editor. Formerly working at Radio Nova as a freelance journalist and hosts a monthly residency on Piñata Radio, with Ludotek, a show focused on video game music.