diffracted terrains: duo i

About

The first in a series of works with the 'diffracted terrains' title, this work exploits the spectrum of relative stability and instability that is inherent in this instrumental combination as a metaphor for proximity and distance, singularity and multiplicity. The series as a whole investigates symmetry and asymmetry in multiple dimensions including space, texture and structure. This preoccupation comes from a variety of sources: in particular [�and�1], which stimulated the notion of 'diffracted' space, and the fantastical characterisation of mirrors in Jorge Luis Borges's story 'Fauna of Dreams'. Ideas about distorted symmetries are further informed by experiences of feedback and distortion created electronically. diffracted terrains:duo i was composed for Andrew Sparling and Carrado Canonici who gave it its first performance at the Mayfest festival at the University of Hertsfordshire in May 2005.