article 6 [waves] (2013)

contents

1. summary

2. listen

3. programme notes

4. press

5. details

6. performances

summary

article 6 [waves] (2013) by Rozalie Hirs is a lyrical, virtuosic work for electric guitar and electronic sounds. The guitar’s microtonal lines move through and across electronic glissandi synthesized from pure sine waves, using only binaural beating and ring modulation. These electronic textures unfold in large wave-like gestures, alternately enveloping or being cut through by the guitar. Commissioned by guitarist Wiek Hijmans, to whom it is dedicated, the piece was later recorded by him on the solo album Electric Language (Attacca Productions, 2018) and Hirs’ portrait album Infinity Stairs (2025).

Closely linked to article 7 [ways to climb a mountain] (2012) and article 8 [infinity] (2014), the work reinterprets overtone material from its predecessor and provides the starting point for its successor. Together, the three can be performed as independent solos or simultaneously as the trio infinity stairs (2014).

listen

programme notes

Rozalie Hirs’ article 6 [waves] (2013), for electric guitar and electronic sounds, is the sixth instalment in her articles series of solo works with or without electronics. In article 6 [waves], the electric guitar traces microtonal, often highly virtuosic lines that move in dialogue with the electronic soundtrack. The electronics consist of relatively simple glissandi synthesized entirely from pure sine tones, employing only binaural beating and ring modulation. The result is a sound world of continuous transformation: rigorous in its underlying frequency calculations, yet lyrical and fluid in its unfolding.

The work investigates the overtone realm of article 7 [ways to climb a mountain] (2012) for bass clarinet, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for article 8 [infinity] (2014) for flute. In this sense, it occupies a pivotal position within the cycle: a link between predecessors and successors, and one strand of the trio infinity stairs (2014), in which articles 6–8 may be performed individually, in pairs, or simultaneously as a trio, with or without electronics.

As with its companion pieces, article 6 [waves] explores not only the overtone series but also the psychoacoustic phenomena of sum and difference tones—phantom tones that emerge from the interaction of real pitches. These spectral illusions, coupled with the wave-like formal design, create a listening experience where sound seems to ripple beyond the physical, inviting the ear into a meditative, multidimensional space.

Supported by a Stipendium from the Netherlands Foundation for the Performing Arts, article 6 [waves] exemplifies Hirs’ search during 2012–2014 to merge precise spectral calculations with the intuitive shaping of sound and time—an exploration culminating in the trio infinity stairs.

press

“Listening to a CD like this one is like a musical journey of discovery, that may produce memorable moments. Such a moment is article 6 [waves] by Rozalie Hirs (1965), who transverses life both as a poet and as a composer. On Ladder 11 with Fie Schouten, performing on the bass clarinet, something similar happened – article 7 kept on chasing down the ear. This is music with a remarkable tendency towards comtemplation that for a change does not lull one into sleep.” Siebe Riedstra, Opus Klassiek

“The most coherent pieces on the CD are by Rozalie Hirs and Alison Cameron. In article 6 [waves] Hirs places light-footed melodies against softly howling sinetones. Together the many harmonics, the warm tone colour, and the rising and falling drones create a mysterious, super worldly atmosphere.” Hoe Wiek Hijmans de elektrische gitaar solofähig maakt. Thea Derks, Cultureel Persbureau.

“Especially intriguing are the microtonal melodies in article 6 [waves] by Rozalie Hirs”
Uit iedere noot van gitarist Wiek Hijmans spreekt een feilloze beheersing van toon en timbre, Frits van der Waa, Volkskrant.

details

commission
article 6 [waves] (2013) was commissioned by Wiek Hijmans, with financial support of a Stipend by the Netherlands Foundation for the Performing Arts, and is dedicated to him.

instrumentation
(electric) guitar
optional electronic sounds

a MIDI pedal for triggering the electronic sounds, to be played by the guitarist on stage, and laptop

duration
10′ ca.

publisher
Rozalie Hirs’s music scores are published by Deuss Music. The score of article 6 [waves] (2013) can be purchased through this link (click here).

further technical requirements
1.) QLAB software, to be installed on the above mentioned laptop
2.) The ‘article 6’ QLAB sampler, to be obtained through Deuss Music
3.) Amplifier and mixer in the concert hall
4.) Stereo loudspeakers, to be placed on stage
5.) Optional amplification of the electric guitar (i.e. microphone, cables)

performances

24 October 2021, 20:00, Infinity Stairs: Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert), LOOS, De Constant Rebecqueplein 20-B, 2518 RA Den Haag, The Hague, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)

13 May 2021, 20:00, Up Close: Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert), Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)

21 March 2021, 16:00, Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert): Infinity Stairs, Martin Luther Church, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar) **POSTPONED DUE TO PANDEMIC**

10 March 2018, 16:00, Wiek Hijmans (CD release concert): Electric language, Splendor, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)

20 February 2015, 20:30, Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert): Poetry and Music, Ostadetheater, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)

17 September 2014, 20:30, Infinity Stairs, Bethaniënklooster, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)

21 September 2013, 20:30, Wiek Hijmans (solo recital): Gevonden Werken, Korzo Theatre, The Hague, The Netherlands – Wiek Hijmans (electric guitar)