AUGENMUSIK
AUGENMUSIK is a notational practice that refers to the unique graphic features on a musical score, designed by composers to convey a symbolic meaning or riddle to performers, but that is not ordinarily visible to an audience. In this project, we attempt to expand and evolve the concept of AUGENMUSIK to represent a visual experience of a musical work within the context of a musical performance, simultaneously incorporating a live visual art performance using abstract drawing and video projection.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This is an experiment in performance practice. The implementation of visual performance into art song performance provides for performer and audience another layer of experience. Our intention in presenting this project is to break away from traditional convention, and while preserving the integrity of the music, to engage the audience in an artful and progressive way.
The visual aspect of the performance includes abstract drawing with ink, stencils, lighting, filming and video projection, using the notation of the performed song cycle as a starting point. In doing so, the elements of time and abstract visual interpretation are added to the practice of AUGENMUSIK, and a new layer of perception is introduced to the listener. The visual artist’s instrument, also set on stage, is a transparent glass surface on which the drawing and light choreography take place. A video camera films the surface from underneath and the filmed image is projected onto a screen.
THE PERFORMERS
ALISON SCHERZER
Based in Cologne,Germany, soprano Alison Scherzer, specializes in contemporary opera, music theatre, and interdisciplinary performance. Her recent engagements have included appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and New Music Dublin, performing Salome by Gerald Barry under the direction of Thomas Adès and Jérôme Kuhn; at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in Alice's Adventures Under Ground; and with the Nederlandse Reisopera in the world premiere of Hagar by Jan-Peter de Graaff as well as Powder Her Face by Thomas Adès. Other projects include recordings of Barry's La plus forte and David Buckley's Oracle with the BBC Concert Orchestra, along with collaborations with Nouvel Opéra Fribourg and Theater Magdeburg. Scherzer works regularly with contemporary composers and focuses on world premieres and the creation of new works.
JORGOS KATSIMITSOULIAS
Jorgos Katsimitsoulias´ visual art integrates painting and ink drawing techniques with orchestrated camera movements and lighting techniques. In 2007 he started working with the musician Elias Ntais on the Soundsketching project, a live improvisational audiovisual performance. Soundsketching was awarded with a JazzWerkRuhr prize in 2009. After concerts in Germany and Spain, an experimental documentary about the project was released in 2017.
As a filmmaker Jorgos focuses on musical / experimental documentaries and music Videos. He directed and coproduced "Jazzsoup", a film about the Jazz Orchestra "The Dorf", "Operatic", a documentary about an independent opera ensemble and "INSPIRATIONTS", an experimental documentary about creativity and inspiration.
WWW.SOUNDSKETCHING.COM | WWW.JAZZSOUP.DE | WWW.INSPIRATIONTS.COM
PRESENTATION FORMATS
Augenmusik can be presented in various ways: in a live performance setting, as a digital installation or in an online streaming format:
Live audio and visual performance
A live music performance of the song cycle Apparition, by George Crumb for soprano (Alison Scherzer) and prepared piano, accompanied by visuals, created and projected live on stage by a visual artist (Jorgos Katsimitsoulias).Live audio performance setting with visual projection
A live music performance accompanied by a projection of pre-produced visuals.Digital audiovisual installation with DOLBY ATMOS sound
AUGENMUSIK can be presented as a film or an audiovisual installation in venues like art galleries, museums or other venues, either for a single screening or for an installation that runs over a longer period of time. The audio (of song cycle Apparition, by George Crumb) was recorded in 2021 at Riverside Studios Cologne. A DOLBY ATMOS sound mix has been produced for the installation format, to enhance the immersive experience of the audience.Duration: 24minutes; 4K, Aspect Ratio: 2,35:1, DOLBY ATMOS sound
Online streaming format
AUGENMUSIK can also be presented in an online streaming format, in the version of the digital installation. Augenmusik is unreleased and has not premiered yet.Duration: 24minutes; 4K, Aspect Ratio: 2,35:1, DOLBY ATMOS sound
PRESS MATERIAL
We can provide a great range of pre-produced multimedia content (images, audio, video teasers, text) for the advertisement of AUGENMUSIK on social media platforms and other online and print media.
CONTACT
Please fill out the form to contact us or write an email to alisonscherzer@gmail.com