Ultramarine

for solo multi-percussion and electronics

After taking a course at Arizona State University exploring the relationship between water and music, percussionist Matthew Sandridge approached me about creating a new work for percussion and tape using the sounds of glaciers. I was immediately excited by the idea and eager to take on the project, as it aligned closely with my own artistic interests. Ultramarine draws inspiration from glacial sonorities in several ways: the percussionist evokes the resonant cracking of ice, the sizzle of meltwater, and the deep groans of glaciers as they slowly carve their way across the landscape. The tape part is constructed from real field recordings of glaciers. Some sounds are presented in their natural form, where the cracks and rumbles remain distinctly glacial, while others are manipulated to resemble drums, other percussive textures, and atmospheric effects. Upwards of 90 percent of the sounds heard in the tape are derived from these glacial recordings. Together, these elements create a layered sound world that merges the musical and environmental into one intricate sonic landscape.