Vertical Resonance

In this performance, the NIME-instrument called Evangistrum is utilized together with a Church Organ (or equivalent) to explore the concept of 'vertical resonance': the existential axis of Hartmut Rosas theory of resonance. The Evangistrum is an audiovisual instrument for two performers, designed to promote collaboration, have strong audiovisual congruence and to be intuitive to use while still allowing for more complex levels of expression. The design was built using Unreal Engine, controlled with commercially available midi controllers, and requires two users to operate. The performance was conceived to further explore the Evangistrums possibilities for collaboration and resonance. It was developed as a composition in three parts, with semi-improvised melodic and rhythmic content. The premiere performance in a local church, and the rehearsals leading up to them, including the composition process, were designed as a micro-study, exploring how to learn to play and create on a newly developed instrument, and for the organist how to learn to play with a newly developed instrument. The Evangistrum was further developed during and between these sessions, relating both to the experience of playing and learning the instrument, as well as to composing the music.