Stephen Syverud


Vectors Iraq (electronics)

Audio sample (.mp3)

Program Notes:

Vectors Iraq is an electronic two-channel composition dedicated to the memory of all the children killed and continue to be killed during the Iraq War. The piece was written during the last part of December, 2004 and completed on January 24, 2005. The numbers in the total daily death count on December, 25th, December 31st, and January 20th were used to determine pitches and intervals. Durations were in part determined by lengths of segments of television news broadcast concerning the war. These time frames were used to calculate ratios in regard to form, sections, and motivic time units. Choices of timbres were influences by the quality of people's voices (both friends and others) discussing the war. No exact references are made to the war, either in what has been said previously or to attempt to recreate images or narratives about instances during the war. Rather the information presented above simply worked as a catalyst to produce pitch, durational, and timbral materials with which to work. However, the initial choice and dedication reflects a deep seated opposition to all war and this one in particular.


If you are interested in acquiring complete performance materials for this piece, please contact me by email (kindly include your phone number).

s-syverud@northwestern.edu

I will request a small handling fee to cover printing and shipping costs.



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