KPFA-FM Music Dept. ➔ Pacific Sirens by Robert Erickson
Analog Audio
Event Type
MusicOrigin
KPFAIdentifier
C.1969.06.XXProgram Length
14 minDates
| broadcast| 402 | created
Description
“Pacific Sirens” by Robert Erickson, performed by the University of California at San Diego Players in June of 1969. The work is an aleatoric electro-acoustic composition scored for flute, clarinets, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, viola, violoncello, double bass, and tape. Beginning with electronically altered wind and surf sounds from the Pacific coast, the work gradually develops as groups of instruments introduce long, sustaining, and overlapping pitches that flawlessly match the windswept beach recordings. Occasionally instruments make more pronounced solo excursions that grab one’s attention, similar to the way the sound of sea gull may temporarily lift one’s gaze from the rolling breakers. Calm and meditative, without ever becoming boring, this subtle work of restrained playing and masterful use of ambient sounds and electronic wizardry is indeed a siren’s call to a more idyllic time and place.Genres
20th century classicalElectro-Acoustic / Electronic
Musical Selections
Pacific Sirens, for instrumental ensemble (1969) (13:37) / Robert EricksonPerformers
University of California at San Diego PlayersSubjects
20th century classicalInstrumental ensembles
Aleatory music
Electro-acoustic
Electronic music
Acknowledgment
Funding for the preservation of this program made possible through a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.Related place
San Diego (Calif.) (was recorded at)Related Entities
University of California at San Diego PlayersErickson, Robert, 1917-1997