Formication
⌊ Interactive improvisation system for guitar and computer.
Formication is the second of a series of improvised interactive pieces for guitar and computer (the first was Cerebral Vortex). Formication is defined as "the sensation as of ants crawling over one's skin." In this piece I have tried to recreate this sensation by constructing an interactive system which does not simply follow or mimic the performer's actions, but instead uses these actions as stimulants which incite new musical material. The performer cannot ignore this new musical material, which then becomes the stimulant which provokes new actions. Compare this kind of system, if you will, to an itch, the kind which the more you scratch becomes more intense.
There are three versions of the piece. The original version is for electric guitar and computer, which was premiered at the IJsbreker in Amsterdam on 27 november 2000. A second version for classical guitar, computer and video was created for performance at the Nicolaikerk in Utrecht. This version features an eight channel computer part and a video track created by Ruud Landfermeijer. The MP3 clip above is from this performance.