Dynamic Architecture 1

For Mark Cauvin

For solo double bass and transducer. 21"
Premiered October 15, 2015, at Sound Spectrum - Music From Visitors.
ACMC November 2015, Bon Marche Studio, UTS.

"A magnificent music...21 minutes of magnificent tension' Kasper Toeplitz,Revue et Corigee 2014, Dec 2017.

Excepts from this piece are used for the film Stones for Dancing Stones for Dying by Kate McMillan, and the film Blight, directed by Perun Bonser.
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Featured on Cat Hope 'Ephemeral Rivers' CD, Hat[now]ART 200

Dynamic Architecture 1 is a work for double bass and transducer, where the electronic part (sent to the transducer) is embedded in the double bass score.
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It was composed for Mark Cauvin by Cat Hope and was premiered in October 2015. The work uses a unique score type that enables a simultaneous playing of the score and the electronics in a synchronized way. The electronic part consists of four sine tones, each tuned slightly lower than a unique tuning for the double bass, and played through a transducer resting on the body of the bass. The electronics ‘sound’ the bass, through its body and vibration of the strings. The double bass, performed on its back with three bows, is activated in different ways, through bowing of the tail piece, a bow ‘rehaired’ with guitar strings and delicate ‘col legno’ bowing to create multiple layers beyond the expected range of the double bass. The work takes its departure from what is often called dynamic architecture, a term that is often used to describe designs in urban architecture that prevent human engagement such as loitering sleeping or play. The shapes used provide key structural and harmonic information in the work.


This piece uses the Decibel ScorePlayer to read the score and generate the electronic part. Or you can play with the video of the score, with a line out for the audio, downloadable below. You will need the instructions if you use this version. A digital or hard copy of the score is available from Material Press.