Eight Bridges | Music for Cologne 2013

It was 75 years ago that Konrad Zuse invented the “Z1”, the first programmable computer that operated with binary numbers. To commemorate this anniversary, the Eight Bridges Festival | Music for Cologne 2013 presented a kaleidoscopic overview of the many ways electronics are used in music. The aim was to encourage audiences to reflect on the increasing significance of computers in the artistic process and everyday life.
The highlight of the festival was the world premiere of the piece “ensemble” by the internationally acclaimed British composer Benedict Mason (*1954). In this work for three identical ensembles, Mason delved into the world of electronic sound effects. Using mathematical structures as the basis for his work, he created quasi-electronic sound effects through acoustic means. The world premiere in Cologne has been performed by the Ensemble Modern, the Klangforum Wien and the Ensemble musikFabrik. The half-hour composition has been performed twice in a row, allowing audience members to change seats during intermission and experience the work from a different optical and acoustic perspective.

Artistic director: Louwrens Langevoort
Project director: Nicolette Schäfer
Artists: Ensemble Modern, Klangforum Wien (A), Ensemble musikFabrik