Variable 4 is an outdoor landscape sound work composed for remote and exposed locations which translates weather conditions into musical patterns i
Variable 4 is an outdoor landscape sound work composed for remote and exposed locations which translates weather conditions into musical patterns in real time. Using meteorological sensors connected to a custom software environment, the weather itself acts as conductor, navigating through a map of 24 specifically-written movements.
Every aspect of the piece, from broad harmonic progressions down to individual notes and timbres, is influenced by changes in the environment: wind speed, rainfall, solar radiation, humidity, tropospheric variance, temperature, and more.
“We’re very excited to be bringing Variable 4 to the island of Portland, after all these months of researching, planning and writing and recording scores and sounds on our trips to the island. The work will take the form of an 8-channel landscape sound installation conducted in real-time by the swirling microclimates down on the end of the Bill – a truly beautiful location.
Each movement of the twenty four that we are composing specifically for the Portland installation will be linked to different weather conditions and will musically portray different aspects of the surrounding landscape and the cultural histories of the site itself. As the second-by-second weather changes, so will the composition, emanating from across the scattered quarry remnants of Portland stone, overlooking the sea. “
A unique way to experience the rugged beauty of Portland Bill and listen to the elements that have shaped this island.
Portland Bill
Portland
DT5 2JT
