401 BLOWS (2024) - for 12 performers, punishing objects and seesaw

Duration: 10'
Program Note:

This piece places objects that were used to hurt, punish, or even kill women on a specially made 6-meter-long transparent seesaw. Twelve performers will exchange their instrument parts and objects during the performance to search for sound resonance.

The weight on the two sides of the seesaw shakes accordingly, causing the sound to flow with it. Symbolic blows throughout the piece, as well as the opposing yet exchangeable forces on the seesaw, structure the composition.

In this piece, I explore the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, the internalization of structural violence and traumatization, and the extent to which it becomes part of their identity.

This piece is commissioned by Wiener Festwochen 2024 Akademie Zweite Moderne.

now available on Ö1

Premiered by Ensemble Klangforum Wien
Violin Sophie Schafleitner Viola Chihiro Ono Violoncello Leo Morello Contrabass Evan Hulbert Percussion Alex Lipowski Flute Marina Iglesias (piccolo) Bass clarinette Hugo Queirós Oboe Markus Deuter Horn Christoph Walder Trombone Ivo Nilsson (bass) Harp Tina Žerdin Accordeon Georgios Lolas

Conducted by Katharina Wincor

June 8, 2024 @ Arnold Schönberg Center, Vienna

Seesaw made by Roman Streusellberger
Special thanks to Andreas Harrer
Video by Svetlana Rodin & Laurent Stoop