Rafferty, David - Dysmorphia
This interesting, subtle piece by Dave Rafferty takes a very close mic-ed saxophone and performs a variety of electronic transformations on the slaps, breaths, key clatter and soft tones that the score demands. The material is used sparsely with low harmonies often added in amidst long silences. Sometimes electronic transformation turns solo instruments into a sort of army of obese robots with overwhelming textures. The atmosphere in this work is rather more nuanced, with careful stereo placements and unusual sonorities. The glissandi are unnervingly unfamiliar and Rafferty was experimenting at this time with how very soft sounds on familiar instruments can manifest as something surprising. I recorded this piece in the Royal College of Music studios and had a great experience. It is unfortunately one of those pieces which isn't easy to emulate without the correct technology and software. My feeling is that although an excellent idea, from a practical point of view, it is difficult to give the piece the performance opportunities it deserves.