Séance

For violin and electronics

2012

David Mendoza
Duration: ca 7:15

Program Notes

Séance was composed in May and finished in June of 2012. I wanted to write an
ornamented melody similar to traditional Arabic violin music, but what came out was
something darker, yet still beautiful. Like most of my electro-acoustic music prior to this
piece, the presence of the supernatural seemed to take over once again, and visions of
whispering spirits wandering a barren windswept earth began to translate itself into
music. A random panning module moves the sound from left to right, and is suppose to
represent the spirits moving around a table similar to the one used is a traditional séance.
For the record, I am not a Spiritualist nor do I believe in séances, but I thought it would
be a fun piece for me to compose and perform.

Technical Notes

Pure Data is used to digitally process sound in real time. A reverb module and a random
panning module are the only effects used to alter the acoustic sound in real time. In
addition, by the use of a foot switch, the performer is asked to trigger two sound files
several times throughout the course of the piece. Setup is simple, and all levels can be
controlled either by the performer or by the sound tech. A preset button has been
programmed into the patch thereby making it much easier to set levels, but can also be
modified during sound check. It is a good idea to restart Pure Data when coming on to
the stage as it tends function better when the connections are set fresh. Finally, when on
stage, check to make sure your foot pedal is working prior to starting the piece.

Input: 1 Condenser Microphone coming from a stereo interface connection

(XLR splitter L/R from interface to 1 mic.)

Output: 2 TRS Cables to main mixer

Left and Right connections do not matter since random panning is
included in the patch.

Pure Data Extended can be downloaded from:

http://puredata.info/downloads/pd-extended
Needed items

1 mic stand
2 music stands (only if music is not memorized)
2 TRS cables to main mixer (10 to 20 feet depending)
1 table or other surface to place/hold interface and laptop computer

Composer provided items

1 laptop computer (Mac OSX running Pure Data Extended 0.43.1)

1 condenser microphone
Cables to connect equipment
1 M-Audio audio interface
1 foot pedal/switch (Griffin PowerMate) *Due to the clicking of a traditional foot pedal, I
have found that this USB controller works well as a foot switch.*

** This piece was first recorded with myself as the performer**

PowerMate USB controller

Pure Data Patch Screen Shot
Duration: ca. 7:15
When indicated,
the violinist triggers
Séance
for solo violin and electronics
two sound samples 2012
via a foot switch.

David Mendoza (b. 1979)

&
q=60-72 Adagietto X note heads = non-exact pitches. Follow pitch profile.

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Copyright © 2012 David Mendoza

David Mendoza Publishing
All rights reserved
2
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2
Senza Tempo
Play random high notes sul E.
Follow pitch profile, but you may
also improvise rhythms and tempo.
B B
B B B B
B B B B B B B B
115
B B
#
p leggero vary dynamics p to ppp improvvisato

B B B B
B B B B B B B B
117
B B B B
#

+
6

B B B B B B B
B B B B B
119
B B B B
#

$
3
B B B B
B B B B B B B
hold highest note

B B
untill sample ends.

121 B
#
pp niente

+
niente