Jim Franklin: Heart (1995)

Abstract

"Heart is built around the Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyoh (given below), the Sino-Japanese version of the Great Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra, one of the central texts of Zen Buddhism. An intonation of this text, for processed voice, frames the piece, and is accompanied by a synthetic texture. In the central section, the electronic textu re underpins and interacts with a solo shakuhachi (classical Japanese bamboo flute). Throughout the piece, the electronic layer is based on gestures and harmonic structures typical of the shakuhachi repertoire, although the timbral world makes no attempt to imitate the voice or flute. Despite its presentation here in recorded form, the piece was conceived for live performance. The electronic texture is generated through the actions of the solo performer (in this case, myself) who, in addition to shakuhachi, plays two small MIDI keyboards. Output from these keyboards is transformed by, and triggers event generation in, a MAX patch running on a laptop computer which forms part of the performance system. The synthetic sound sources are generated by several analogue and FM synthesizer modules, vintage 1985-1994, and signals are treated by three effects processors. The present recording was made as a single take of a studio performance, using this equipment. For me, the juxtaposition of voice and shakuhachi on the one hand and synthetic sounds on the other throws into relief the similarities and differences between human-performed acoustic instruments, and human-controlled synthetic sound worlds. Nevertheless, I feel that the density and beauty of the electronic texture requires the flesh and blood, the breath and vital energy of the acoustic performance to bring it to life." -- Jim Franklin