From Heaven, Through the World, to Hell
⌊ Composition for voice with live electronics.
The title of this piece comes from Goethe's Faust, in fact it was his own working title during the early stages of its creation. While my version of the myth does borrow somewhat from Goethe's version, there are also references to Christopher Marlowe's play Dr. Faustus (written ca. 1592), as well as quotations from the scientific and spiritual writings of Aleister Crowley and Thomas Burnet. This piece explores the Faust legend within a kind of technological musical theatre framework, and makes extensive use of live computer interaction using the Max/MSP environment. The performer interacts with the computer using an infrared sensor, allowing her to trigger as well as shape many of the sounds in the piece through physical gestures. This piece was written for g.e.m.s. as part of the McGill University composer-in-residence program between 1998-1999.