Feathered Rainbow, for viola and electronics (2023-24)

Joogwang Lim: Feathered Rainbow, for viola and electronics (2023-24)
임주광: 비올라와 전자음향을 위한 "깃털 무지개" (2024)
2024. 4. 6 (Sat.)
Concert Hall at Boston University College of Fine Arts, Boston, USA
Performance by Zoe Loversky (viola) and Joogwang Lim (electronics)
During a year-long collaboration with Zoe Loversky to compose a new live electronic piece for viola, I initially focused on her virtuosity, repertoire and unique sound, in addition to the physical attributes of the viola. Soon these observations laid a foundation for Feathered Rainbow, aided by my study of viola literature and spectral applications.
Another idea in using electronics was to enhance the potential of live acoustics, not prohibiting the audience from hearing the performer or overpowering the performer. Then, all tapes and synthesized sounds are derived from her own recordings, naturally blending with the live performance, while applied effects magnify certain elements of the live sound.
As the title suggests, consonant intervals and overtone series serve as an axis, while more dissonant voices fluctuate from the center, forming an arch-shaped structure. This dynamic extends to the relationship between two performers: the viola exerts a core momentum, and the electronic oscillates between augmenting the viola sound and interacting as an interdependent improviser.