Abstract:

All the compositions, written for the Songo Be'nd Project are part of the same compositional work, and Segmentation Fault is one of those. They are written to be played with instruments and live electronics, in various and always different combinations, and they are mainly based on rhythmical improvisations. Independently from the composition of the ensemble, it always takes the name of Songo Be'nd, from the cuban poet Nicolas Guillen. The other constant element is the prepared piano, as well as some tools for signal processing (to process the piano sound) and a computer (for triggering and play in real time, pre-processed sounds). The attempt is to incorporate polyrhythmic elements not found in Western music into our own musical style. The rhythm becomes the dominant element. Also the piano is prepared in a way where its harmonic characteristics become hidden and its rhythmical aspects are taken into a predominant relevance. Even if I write, for all compositions, the main structure and the pre-processed sounds, the final interpretation of the piece is always the result of a very intense collaboration with the musicians involved in the specific session. In Segmentation Fault Beta 1.1 also the structure is the result of the collaboration with Michael Edwards. The computer, using custom-written software by him, is used to trigger and mix pre-processed sound material. The original program runs on an SGI or a Linux plattform but other programs are available for different platforms to play and trigger pre processed sound files. In case of necessity, a prerecorded dat tape with all the pre-processed sounds can be played, while instruments are playing. Any other musician can be added, depending on the circumstances, and it could be drum/percussion and/or electric guitar and/or saxophone and/or trumpet.