SINKEN © Granular-Synthesis
The visual part is a video projection spread onto a horizon of four screens. In addition to the string orchestra playing, an electronic sound is displayed from a multiple speaker configuration.
The audiovisual material is almost abstract. It is derived from the original human torso video material of We want God now which was later also used in FORM and in earlier versions of AREAL.
SINKEN is a meditative and insistent composition in slow motion. A steady glissando created by 48 string instruments is accompanied by minimal movements, pumping and flickering of the audiovisual material. Starting of with a narrow band of detuned violins and finally ending in the rumble of deep double bass notes. The final part is supported by pre-recorded and amplified double bass sounds. At this time the image is flickering in stroboscopic dark blue and black. The audience usually has to pass a phase of frustration because of the absence of any obvious development before reaching a state of concentration and fascination.
The score is, although simple, very demanding for the orchestra performers.
SINKEN was commissioned by Art Zoyd and Orchestre National de Lille for the Dangerous Visions programme of 1999 for two shows in Maubeuge and Lille in northern France. It had two more presentations so far at the Palacio de Bellas Artes – Mexico with the National Orchestra of Mexico and at the Donau Festival - St Pölten with the Niederösterreichisches Tonkünstlerorchester.
The installation was reformatted as a loop for the New Austrian Cultural Forum in New York (USA) in June 2002.