"This work is a composition in two parts. The same magic square is transposed in two versions. One can be experienced by the eyes, the other one by the ears. A magic square is a series of numbers arranged in a square grid so that the sum of each horizontal and vertical row and of the corner diagonals is always the same. Magic squares reveal harmony of number and refer to the nature of existence and a cosmic order dominated by mathematical regularity. Number is the origin of all things, Pythagoras said, and Boethius said music is numbers made audible. Presented as a room installation, 'A magic square of 5 to look at' is a floorpiece of 5 x 5 m, and 'A magic square of 5 to listen to' can be heard through a quadraphonic sound system, performing the four staffs of the score independently, starting about 5 seconds after each other. The audience moves around the floorpiece in the space. Panhuysen (1934) is an internationally recognised artist. Best known for his site-specific long string installations all over the world, he also is involved in systematic visual art. Calculus links his visual and sound art together. Furthermore he has been the artistic director of Het Apollohuis for about 2 decades."
Tracklist
1 A Magic Square Of 5 To Listen To 30:50
- sample -
Credits
Computer [Assistance] ? Dr. Leon van Noorden
Design ? Meeuw
Liner Notes ? Paul Panhuysen
Technician [Technical Assistance] ? Rene Adriaans
Notes
Presented as a room installation 'A magic square of 5 to look at' is a floorpiece of 5 by 5 meters and 'A magic square of 5 to listen to' can be heard through a quadraphonic sound system, surrounding the floorpiece. It performs four staffs of the the score independently, starting about 5 seconds after each other. The audience moves around the floorpiece in the space.
The work was designed for and premiered as a site-specific sound installation at the Puddles Festival 2003 at Jusshi Square School in Tokyo, September 13-24, 2003. The CD is published on the occasion of the EARATIONAL Festival 2004 in 's-Hertogenbosch.
The sounds were recorded on computer, using the programme CSOUND, with the assistance of Dr. Leon van Noorden. The master CD-R was made with technical assistance of Rene Adriaans.
Honorary mention at Prix Ars Electronica 2004.
Limited edition of 500.
