exploration | sound | instrument | performance

Metaichmiakó (for solo EMS Synthi100)

By: Marinos Koutsomichalis
Exploring the legendary EMS’ Synthi100 by means of complex intra-modulated sequences and analogue synthesis techniques.
exploration | sound | instrument | performance

Metaichmiakó (for solo EMS Synthi100)

Exploring the legendary EMS’ Synthi100 by means of complex intra-modulated sequences and analogue synthesis techniques.

By: Marinos Koutsomichalis

Materials:
EMS synthi100 with original clavier.

Duration:
Variable, ~20-50m

Commissioned by:
Documenta 14, Athens GR & Kassel DE
with support by Goethe Institute Sweden and Kungliga Musikaliska Akademien, Stockholm SE

Produced by:
Documenta 14, Athens GR & Kassel DE
Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), Athens GR

Produced at:
Contemporary Music Research Center (KSYME-CMRC), Athens GR
Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), Athens GR

Produced in:
2017

Documented by:
Stathis Mamalakis

‘Metaichmiakó’ is the first work composed for KSYME-CMRC’s EMS Synthi100 following its restoration and on the occasion of Documenta 14 in Athens GR. The instrument (made in 1963) had been out of order since the early ’80s and was restored by Daniel Araya and Jari Suominen under Marinos Koutsomichalis’ supervision.

 

‘Metaichmiakó’ is a free-form composed improvisation to be performed live loosely following the score on the left. It surfaced a period of extensive experimentation with the instrument at KSYME-CMRC studio in Athens GR. The work is intended as an unconditional exploration of the instrument; it makes use of all the available modules and employs a wide array of (non-)standard patching methods and synthesis techniques.  It also utilises the EMS Synthi100’s ‘sequencing’ module (in reality it has little to do with how we understand sequencing today), via which audio and control signals are recorded, manipulated, and reproduced in real time and to achieve complex textures.

Events
  • Performance, Documenta 14, Athens Concert Hall (Megaron). Athens, GR. (2017)
  • Talk, CMRC and EMS Synthi 100: Electronic Music from Greece and Sweden, Conference and showcase; Documenta 14. The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron). Athens, GR. (2017)