article 8 [infinity] (2014)

contents

1. summary

2. listen

3. programme notes

4. details

5. performances

summary

article 8 [infinity] (2014) by Rozalie Hirs is a microtonal work for flute and electronic sounds that explores the overtone worlds developed across her articles series. Rooted in spectralism yet guided by an intuitive ear, the piece envelops lyrical flute melodies within electronic glissandi generated from pure sine waves, binaural beatings, and ring modulation. This solo composition extends the investigations of article 7 [ways to climb a mountain] (2012) for bass clarinet and article 6 [waves] (2013) for electric guitar, with all three capable of sounding independently or together as the trio infinity stairs (2014). Through precise frequency calculations, psychoacoustic sum and difference tones, and shimmering spectral textures, Hirs fashions a deeply resonant sound world where perception and illusion intertwine, and time appears suspended.

listen

programme notes

Rozalie Hirs’ article 8 [infinity] (2014) for flute and electronic sounds belongs to a cycle of solo works that probe the acoustic and perceptual depths of the overtone series. While firmly grounded in spectralist thought, Hirs’ music is never reducible to pure mathematics: frequency calculations serve as a springboard for harmonic imagination, ultimately shaped by her intuitive sense of resonance and coherence.

In article 8 [infinity], long-breathed, lyrical flute lines trace arcs through an electronic landscape of glissandi—waves of pure sine tones subtly transformed by binaural beating and ring modulation. The work builds directly on its predecessors in the series. article 7 [ways to climb a mountain] (2012), for bass clarinet, explored harmonic overtones above an inaudible fundamental, with spiraling gestures that evoke the paradoxical “infinite staircases” of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. article 6 [waves] (2013), for electric guitar, reinterpreted those overtones as fundamentals, opening up new harmonic terrain. article 8 [infinity] continues this chain of transformation, treating the fundamentals of waves as new sources for harmonic partials. These frequencies were calculated, approximated to the nearest quarter-tone, and notated in precise rhythms — at once rigorous and expressive.

Together, articles 6–8 form the trio infinity stairs (2014), which can be performed in multiple configurations: as stand-alone solos, as duos, or simultaneously as a trio, with or without electronics. This modularity reflects the deep interconnectedness of the works, both structurally and sonically. Their shared vocabulary of spectral harmonies, psychoacoustic effects, and temporal fluidity fosters a sense of infinite unfolding — an ascent without end.

Technically demanding, these pieces epitomize Hirs’ creative investigations during 2012–2014, a period supported by a prestigious Stipendium for Music Composition from the Netherlands Performing Arts Fund. They not only expand the vocabulary of microtonal and spectral composition, but also invite listeners into a meditative space where sound, perception, and imagination converge.

details

support
article 8 [infinity] (2014) was composed with financial support of a Stipend by the Netherlands Foundation for the Performing Arts. It was first performed by Shanna Gutierrez (flute) on 12 September 2014, at Gaudeamus Music Week, Utrecht, The Netherlands. The version for bass flute was first performed by Marieke Franssen (bass flute) at Cenakel, Tilburg, The Netherlands, on 2 February 2016.

instrumentation
flute or bass flute
optional electronic sounds

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

duration
10′ ca.

publisher
Rozalie Hirs’s music scores are published by Deuss Music. The score of article 8 [infinity] (2014) 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 8’ 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 flute (i.e. microphone, cables)

recording
article 8 [infinity] is featured on Hirs’ portrait album Infinity Stairs (2025), in a recording by flautist Marieke Franssen.

performances

28 August 2022, 13:00 CET, Jong en toch Klassiek, Uitmarkt, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra House (Amsterdam Hall), Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (flute)

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 – Marieke Franssen (flute)

29 August 2021, 15:00, Portrait concert: Rozalie Hirs & friends, Huize Gaudeamus/ Walter Maashuis, Bilthoven, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (flute)

13 May 2021, 20:00, Up Close: Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert), Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (flute)

21 March 2021, 16:00 CET, Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert): Infinity Stairs, Martin Luther Church, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (flute) **POSTPONED DUE TO PANDEMIC**

25 April 2017, 19:30, 29th International Composers’ Festival of Krakow, Krakow, Poland – Marieke Franssen (flute) – Polish premiere

11 February 2016, 20:30, Unexpected Consequences, Constellation, 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, United States – Shanna Gutierrez (flute) – North American premiere

2 February 2016, 20:30, Recital Marieke Franssen, De Link, Het Cenakel, Cenakel 1, Tilburg, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (bass flute) – World premiere of version for bass flute

20 February 2015, 20:30 CET, Rozalie Hirs (portrait concert): Poetry and Music, Ostadetheater, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Marieke Franssen (flute)

17 September 2014, 20:30 CET, Infinity Stairs, Bethaniënklooster, Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Shanna Gutierrez (flute)

12 September 2014, 21:15 CET, New Adventures in Performance, Gaudeamus Music Week, RASA, Utrecht, The Netherlands – Shanna Gutierrez (flute) – world premiere