Suite Mechanique

During my residency at Millay Arts I composed a set of pieces for music box and strings called "Suite Mechanique". The music box works similarly to a player-piano in that the compositions are transcribed to holes punched in paper sheets which are then fed through the box mechanically. By flipping or reversing the music sheets I was able to create instant variations on the original score. The effect can be unexpected, even to me: sometimes beautiful, sometimes dissonant, sometimes both. An accompanying semi-improvisatory string duo adds even more variation and can elevate a simple melody to something more romantic, playful, or haunting. Because the tempo fluctuates with random variations in how quickly the box is played, the string players are forced to adapt on the fly, creating a dynamic interplay between the "programmed" piano part and the performing musicians. The ability to adapt and to appreciate diverse outcomes is part of the magic of this Suite.

Suite Mechanique premiered at Swarm Gallery in Oakland, CA (2012), alongside a gallery show by artist Taro Hattori. Music composed by Karen Kanan Corrêa. Performed by Karen Kanan Corrêa (viola) and Lewis Patzner (cello). Design/fabrication of music box by Neal Wilkinson.