INCANTATION

for clarinet and computer

Jason Charney



2011


















Setup
The computer program for performance is available for download on
jasoncharney.com/incantation.html. It is available as a Max 5 patch or standalone
application. The patch may be modified so that any hardware interface may be used to
control the computer.

The clarinetist is amplified with a dynamic microphone as closely as possible in order to
prevent feedback. The audio comes out of a stereo set of speakers, positioned on both sides
of the stage.

The operator is mindful of the relative volumes of the processed and unprocessed signals.
The maximum volume of the processed signal remains slightly below the level of the
unprocessed signal, as the acoustic sound of the instrument is the most important element.

Performance Notes

The clarinetist is free to play all figures rubato. The computer operator follows the gestures of
the clarinetist, but is precise in synchronizing computer events with the performer. The
unprocessed signal of the clarinet always remains above the processed signal and the
computer operator should be mindful of maintaining this balance by adjusting the
appropriate volume sliders. The clarinetists input volume remains constant.

Notation
The program uses the same input from one microphone for all signal processing.
The operator switches the input to the corresponding module with the boxed number that
appears above the staff:



Modules
1 | Delay
This module includes two delay lines and a resonance filter that subtly changes the overtones
present in the delay line. The appropriate delay setting, an L or S above the staff
indicates either long delay or short delay. Its alignment with the clarinet part indicates
timing. The filter can be set anywhere from 0 (effectively, no sound passing through the
module) to 8000 hz. The operator moves the slider up and down according to the analog
representation on the staff. Each line of the staff roughly corresponds to a 2000 hz interval,
with the bottom line representing 0 hz.







change to long delay, then open filter from
~2000 hz to ~8000 hz

2 | Looping
This module consists of four individual loops
that can be sustained and transformed
simultaneously. The positions of the notes on
the staff indicate the particular loop affected by
a transformation.


A normal notehead indicates to begin recording that particular
loop for the duration of the note. The corresponding green
recording toggle is be turned on at the beginning of the note,
and turned off on the final tied note. Using a computer
keyboard and mouse, the A, B, C and D keys are held to begin recording and released to
stop recording.



An x-notehead indicates to adjust the speed of the loop
playback in the direction of the arrow above it, using the green
number boxes. The playback speed notated above the tied note
is reached at that point.


An E on the staff indicates a change of multiple
loops playback speeds simultaneously triggered with
one button push (E on the keyboard). The duration
of the transformation and final destination of the
affected loops are notated near the staff.


The auxiliary staff below the electronic cues shows what chord is being created by the loops
for the convenience of the performer. In cases where the note changes mid-loop, the first
pitch in the loop is notated.

There are individual volume controls for each of the loops as the input dynamic of the
clarinet varies. The computer operator should aim for an equal blend of all chord members
in the loop playback.

3 | Harmony
This module harmonizes the incoming signal. Selecting the corresponding preset button
changes the harmony.


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