Extra-dimensional accordion playing using a surround sound system

artistic research residency by KAAT VANHAVERBEKE

My research explores the creation of new music for an amplified extra-dimensional way of accordion playing. With extra-dimensional accordion playing I refer to moving the bellows three-dimensionally and creating a spatial sound. Approaching the accordion bellows technique three-dimensionally instead of linearly has been a major step in finding my own voice as an accordionist. By moving the bellows intentionally forward or backward at different angles, I've discovered a lot of benefits in my playing, such as a better balance between the right and left-hand manual, more harmonics, and a clear direction and phrasing in music - reinforced by the visual perception of moving the bellows three-dimensionally. Moreover, this way of playing has become natural and characterizing to me.

The research consists of 2 phases in which a composition for accordion and electronics will be created and where the amplification is invented differently. The electronics are in both cases directly derivated from the accordion part.

Creation of “Light” (Samo Vidic)

Together with composer Samo Vidic, I will work on creating a piece for accordion, movement, light and electronics. We will play with the panning/distribution of speakers.

Creation of “Contrapunctus” (Kaat Vanhaverbeke)

Contrapunctus is a composition for extra-dimensional accordion and electronics. There are 3 channels paired with 6 speakers (serial) which surround the audience. Through MaxMSP different layers of polyphony are shifted in pitch and speed.