Dark Flow

For Large Ensemble and Electronics
Commissioned by the Tri-Centric Orchestra
 
Dark Flow Roadmap
This is a piece in four different sections, which are cued by an mp3 track. Each instrumental part has a different set of cues, and a different mp3 track. Instrumentalists will need to provide their own portable mp3 player and earbuds. The piece begins with a countdown. On “1” everyone should press play to begin their mp3 track.
 
Section 1: Redshift- Light moving away from us gradually increases in wavelength, moving to lower frequencies. Solos: Violin, Viola Transition: Baritone sax solo
 
Section 2: Quasar- A distant object emitting high-energy frequencies containing a black hole at its center. Transition: Drum solo
 
Section 3: Clusters- Gravitationally-bound clusters of stars Transition: Cornet solo
 
Section 4: Dark Matter(s)- A hidden force that is accelerating the expansion of the known universe. Solos: Alto sax, Tenor sax
 
Dark Flow Electronics
The electronics for the piece were created using Ableton Live. These are screenshots of the arrangement window for the piece. Redshift begins with a mix of software synthesizers and samples of glass. Quasar begins with samples of humpback whales, a bowed cymbal, and a low cello drone. Clusters contains samples of voices taken from number stations around the US, and a clip from the SETI website.
 
LISTENING SAMPLE - CLICK HERE