The inaugural presentation of Studio Sound features Suzanne Ciani and Sarah Davachi—two composers of different generations working with innovative music technologies. As part of Studio Sound, Davachi will perform Long Gradus live in MoMA’s Kravis Studio.
Sarah Davachi is a Canadian experimental composer and performer who creates immersive, layered drones using a wide range of acoustic and electronic instrumentation, including organs, strings, brass, and synthesizers. Continuing a lineage of minimalist composers such as Éliane Radigue, Tony Conrad, and La Monte Young, her works expand the human perception of sound through subtle variations of considered harmonic structures, exploring overtone complexity, intonation, and natural resonance.
At MoMA, Davachi will present performances of new electroacoustic works that challenge listeners’ temporal experience of sound, including Long Gradus, a long-form composition for chamber ensemble (string quartet and sine tones). A gradus is a handbook meant to aid in learning a difficult practice. Davachi tells us, “In this case, Long Gradus is designed to considerably slow the cognitive movements of both listener and player, and to focus their attention on the relationships between moments.” The work will be performed by the artist and members of Contemporaneous.
There will be a first-come, first-served standby line beginning 30 minutes before the event.
Long Gradus (2020–21)
Sarah Davachi: electronics
Contemporaneous: chamber ensemble
Giancarlo Latta: violin
Finnegan Shanahan: violin
Sarah Haines: viola
Amanda Gookin: cello