Empty Mind I

Empty Mind I was originally composed for oboe and electronics, and is inspired by the work and ideas of American artist Agnes Martin. The electronics were developed in collaboration with Jorrit Tamminga. There are also versions for flute, recorder, recorder and ensemble, saxophone, bassoon, and electronics. The work consists of six large sections (5 + 1), which can be performed in any order; the composer's main aim was to break open time and space. He combined the open form (with a free order of the different sections) and the closed form (with a clearly defined score). In each movement, there is a strictly composed section that reflects continuity, interspersed with a number of free passages in which the material is allowed to follow its own path – chosen by the soloist at that moment – creating discontinuity. A strictly composed melody, based on a keen interest in microtonality, is repeatedly interrupted by these free sections with extensive techniques on the recorder, such as multiphonics, glissandi, etc. The electronics consist, on the one hand, of a harmonic drone (a sound carpet) that is reproduced in different layers and, on the other hand, the sound of the recorder is manipulated live, creating an extensive harmonic spectrum based solely on the tones of this solo instrument. A third important feature of the electronics is spatialisation, whereby the sound fills the entire space through geometric patterns. The spatial aspect of this work is also reinforced by having the successive parts performed in different places in the space.