HE Xis
ABOUT THE MUSIC
HE xis is a piece commissioned by Totem Contemporain. It was composed for the Orgue de Sirène, fixed media, and live treatment. Process description and program note to come.
ABOUT THE ORGUE de SIRÈNE
Of everything Jean-François Laporte has invented over the years, the Siren Organ remains his emblematic instrument. Elegant, intriguing and of unparalleled power, this organ strikes the imagination of both spectators and composers.
After extensive research and several iterations, the current Siren Organ consists of six sirens (or horns): two root pitches (at the same note), a major third, a minor third, a fifth, and a modified siren. There are also two bell-less sirens that can produce very high frequencies. The supply of compressed air is controlled either by pedals or valves, which allows a greater variety of articulations (attack, sustained sounds, crescendo/decrescendo, etc.). The performer sits on a chair among the sirens, bells facing the audience. This position allows the musician to insert tubes and fists in the bells, a technique borrowed from French horn players. These manipulations alter the volume, attack and timbre of the sounds produced. Also, by sitting behind the bells, the performer avoids being deafened by the sound volume.
If this instrument is called an organ, it is not simply because air is being sent through “pipes.” The Siren Organ also has the presence and imposing character of the church organ. Of everything Jean-François Laporte has invented over the years, the Siren Organ remains his emblematic instrument. Elegant, intriguing and of unparalleled power, this organ strikes the imagination of both spectators and composers. It is therefore not surprising that the Siren Organ is the most favourite of all of Jean-François Laporte’s instruments among the composers who are invited to work with his instrumentarium.
PICTURES OF THE INSTRUMENT
More about TOTEMCONTEMPORAIN.
Pictures provided by Totem Contemporain, and taken by Othman Ouaiss.