Philipp Wachsmann / Michael Bunce - Refractions In Air

Philipp Wachsmann - violin, electronics


Michael Bunce - live electronic sampling and transformation (LiSa)

Refractions In Air traces the diversity of interactions that arise in this duo between Philipp Wachsmann and Michael Bunce. The recording was made during one day of continual exploration and development. The acoustic violin is routed through the player's own electronics, and both of these sources are fed to Michael. These are in turn selectively captured through time, to be processed and re-performed with transformations shaped by gestural input or as static samples. The transformation processes are mainly time-based with a focus upon the expressive nature of gesture, where the original contour and dynamic of a captured sound can be reformed and given new trajectory.

The relationship between interaction and process varies, sometimes becoming circular over varying time spans. This gives rise to detailed forms over time; it created structure with memory, and in this way challenges the habits of normal process. A fabric of spontaneous interactions unfolds, compromising structures that result from both the attitude and set-up, and from deliberated choices.

The temporally eclectic nature of 'Refractions In Air' ranges from the familiar to the oblique and on to an extraordinary and daring counterpoint. A cyclical process of transformation threads its way through an array of intersections, uncovering a diversity of forms, structures, gestures and articulations that are performed, resultant, implied, projected, displaced, mirrored, assimilated, appropriated or distorted.

The work is sensitive to small gradations as well as more dramatic gestures and therefore may be best heard in a quiet space.


Cover: 'Refractions in Air' by Catherine Hope-Jones - conceptual image from the series of paintings 'Beyond Context'.