This is a work where I explore urban spaces in Montreal, Las Vegas, and Berlin — 3 very different cities, with truly unique soundscapes. I gathered many recordings of spoken phrases, and used them as natural reference points for the listener. Cars are everywhere in these cities: a continuous drone in the background or right in front of my microphones, ready to roll.

While I have incorporated sampled drums and loops in my electroacoustic music for many years, with this piece I wanted to collaborate with two talented musicians from Montréal. Christian Olsen’s drumming is both explosive and subtle, while Delphine Measroch, who is also a composer, transforms the sound of her cello into a metro turnstile, a cricket, a hovercraft.

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Urban Cuts was realized in 2005 at the composer’s studio and premiered [fixed-media original version] on November 19, 2005 in Berlin (Germany). An initial 15-minute version entitled Espaces urbains 1: Las Vegas — Montréal — Berlin was presented on May 14, 2005 during the Elektra festival at Usine C, Montréal. This mixed version (for cello, drums, and tape) premiered on December 10, 2005 during the Akousma (2) festival presented by Réseaux at Espace GO in Montréal. Urban Cuts was commissioned by Sabine Breitsameter of the Akademie der Künste, Berlin (Germany), with support from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), and Andreas Hagelüken of RBB/Klanggalerie. Thanks to Brenda Keesal, Fortner Anderson (recorded voice), Sabine Breitsameter, Andreas Hagelüken, Michael Rüsenberg, Carla Spies, Bernard Schütze; programers: Rick Scott (rachMiel), Colin Fraser (Biomechanoid).

Composition

• 2005, Personal studio, Montréal (Québec)

Revision

• November – December 2005, Personal studio, Montréal (Québec)

Premiere

• November 19, 2005, Premiere of the original fixed medium version: Concert, Akademie der Künste — Hanseatenweg, Berlin (Germany)
• December 10, 2005, Premiere of the mixed version: Delphine Measroch, cello; Christian Olsen, drum • Akousma (2): Rhapsodie urbaine, Espace Go, Montréal (Québec)

About this sound recording

This recording was realized on February 26 & 28, 2007 at Studio Sygma in Montréal by Alain Girard and mixed at the composer’s studio.

Recording

• February 26, 2007, Alain Girard • Studio Sygma, Montréal (Québec)
• February 28, 2007, Alain Girard • Studio Sygma, Montréal (Québec)

Mixing

• Personal studio, Montréal (Québec)

Mastering

• Dominique Bassal • Studio Inverse, Montréal (Québec)

Performers

• Delphine Measroch, cello
• Christian Olsen, drum set
• Fortner Anderson, narrator