NIME 2014 (New Interfaces for Musical Expression)

The Threnoscope is an audiovisual compositional system focussing on a few key elements: drones, microtonality and spatial sound. The piece aims to remove linear time from the music by emphasising stasis or circularity. Through visual representations of harmonic relationships, tuning systems and drone states, and multichannel audio, the system affords specific compositional focus that encourages the performer to work with spatial sound and descriptions of harmonic spectra. 

In the Fermata piece, the Threnoscope is used together with acoustic instruments for improvising in the microtonal space. Adriana Sa will perform her custom zither, a multi-string instrument with a fretboard and a personal tuning system. The bow enables her to create a wealth of microtonal variations.