22 Recordings: In Circular Symmetry is a work of indeterminacy created by Richard Garet and Wolfgang Gil using Gil’s ROctoR (Real-time Octophonic Router). For this piece, Garet proposed and initial model to randomly reproduce 22 recordings he composed through different processes. This model was extended and refined through a process of collaboration between both artists. Finally, Gil translated the model into a MAX/MSP application that in conjunction with Richard’s sonic material and Gil’s ROctoR conformed the piece.
To play the piece ROctoR selects each audio file randomly. Within the duration of the selected track a segment, that is the 10% of the total duration of the track, is played back. A series of panning presets consisting of shapes such as a triangle, a square, a circle, and a line were created and assigned randomly to each sound. During the play back of each audio file the duration of the audio file is divided by the amount of parts of the panning shape and that determines the form of the panning movement. Additionally each panning preset was designed to keep changing position randomly.
The material for this work consists of utilizing, as a source, the sound from eleven audiocassettes tapes. These tapes were submitted to processes of deterioration such as data corruption, erasing, magnetic interference, and tape feedback. The sound that resulted from these processes were played back at various speeds and methods, and then digitally recorded. Each recording from the tapes was cut and spliced digitally by making editorial decisions and erasing the non-desired sections of the recordings. As a conclusion Garet arrived to a final number of 22 audio files. All audio files are different in duration and content.
As a conclusion an extensive number of possible configurations of structure, form, material, and movement will emerge from real-time process, creating not only a listening environment but also awareness of location, physical movement, and a surrounding sensorial experience. 22 Recordings: In Circular Symmetry will play indefinitely once it is initiated. However, to fit the program of the exhibition the work was prepared to play for 17’ at the time. However, even when it isn’t playing it will continue to run, changing configuration, until RoctoR initiates it again after the other three works have conclude their playback.
