Ce monde et ailleurs
Elsa Justel
Programme notes
To Roger Cochini
This piece is an attempt at describing the world as we experience it so that it can take us to a novel environment that will propel us into other virtual and imaginary worlds. Humankind, since its beginnings, has been trying to change the world, to make life happier and more fulfilling. From its early babblings through its first words, and then its songs, humankind has been looking for ways to communicate. It achieved beautiful melodies, complex harmonies, and eloquent speeches. It also managed to transmit them throughout the world and into space thanks to the cybernetic systems it invented.
This primitive, ideal reality transformed into a swarm of sounds that made communication increasingly more difficult. And this crowded soundscape nurtured rage and aggressiveness. The laws we tried to put in place to bring some order to this chaos produced rifts, misunderstandings, and wars. Media pollution has thrown humankind into a state of anesthesia and numbness. And yet, hidden between the lines, there are still messages reminding us to think. Technology and science fiction have pushed researchers to find new channels for knowledge.
With Ce monde et ailleurs, I have tried to explore our environment in its historical dimension, up to now, in transparent ways. I attempted to illustrate the sonic diversity and density we live in with, for good measure, a few referential notes (call it sarcastic humour) thrown in and a blank moment to picture an uncertain future.
— Elsa Justel [English translation
Ce monde et ailleurs [This World and Elsewhere] was realized in 2019 at the composer’s studio in Mar del Plata (Argentina) and was premiered on August 23, 2019 as part of the Futura festival (Crest, France). It was commissioned by the French State (Music Office). Thanks to Roger Cochini for his collaboration (voice recordings) and his teachings and advice.
Premiere
- August 23, 2019, Futura 19
: Concert 11, Salle des Moulinages — Espace Soubeyran, Crest (Drôme, France)
- Composer(s): Elsa Justel
- Year of composition: 2019
- Duration: 10:21
- Instrumentation: 8-channel fixed medium
- Publisher(s): Ymx média
- Commission: French State (Music Office)
- ISRC: CAD502410075
