Some simple paths, clearly traced with elements of surprise and unexpected detours, Trajectoires is a live electroacoustic piece in five moments for solo DX-7(E!) and TX-7 digital FM synthesis instruments. By choosing a limited instrumentation and a limited sonic world — one timbre per moment — the composition focuses on sonic gestures, the articulation and animation of each timbre. It is by playing and reshaping the initial sounds that each timbre reveals its very own gestures. In addition to the DX-7 keyboard, velocity attack, key pressure, modulation wheel, and sustain pedal are extensively used, as well as the E! card detune and sound spatialization capabilities. In general, the timbres cover a wide register region — like a cloud of sound — rather than a narrow or limited sonic spectrum. The score is written in relatively traditional music notation, more to indicate performance gestures than pitches or precise time values.

Trajectoires was composed for Sergio Barroso in the summer of 1987 and premiered by him in Mexico City at the Tamayo Museum on January 31, 1988. The piece was awarded a mention in the live electroacoustics category at the 16th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition (France) in June 1988. A new moment composed in October 1988 at the Grame studio in Lyon (France) is incorporated to the piece which was released on compact disc (SNE 556) by the Société nouvelle d’enregistrement (SNE) (Montréal, Québec).

Composition

• June – September 1987, Personal studio, Montréal (Québec)
• October 1988, Groupe de réalisation et de recherche appliquée en musique et électroacoustique (Grame), Lyon (Rhône, France)

Premiere

• January 31, 1988, Sergio Barroso, keyboard • En Torno a los Sonidos Electrónicos, Museo Tamayo, Mexico City (Mexico)

Awards

• First Mention, Live Electroacoustic Music Prize, 16th Bourges International Electroacoustic Music Competition 1988, Bourges (Cher, France)

Recording

• Ireme Studio, Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada)

Performers

• Sergio Barroso, keyboard controller