GRANULAR SYNTHESIS
Sweetheart

Granular Synthesis’ Kurt Hentschläger and Ulf Langheinrich have performed since 1991. They derive their name from a process whereby ultra-short bits of sounds – granules - are organised in greater patterns of continuous sound forms. They have employed this theory in expressing their ideas both visually and aurally. Granular Synthesis’ exploration uses the body in performance, collaborating with performers such as Japanese Akemi Takeya, who sing, yell, moan and scream. From hours of material micro-passages are selected and looped, layered and transformed. Images of the body vibrate from the screen and body sounds are electronically transformed into pulsing tones.

Kurt Hentschläger and Ulf Langheinrich demonstrate a deep understanding of image and sound and its power to initiate physiological reactions. “The sheer physicality of the work, the audience are both affronted and seduced. Fascinated, overwhelmed and suffering in that overload gives rise to that state of mind that allows a submerging into the work. Letting go of self-consciousness - letting go of oneself. Disturbing, frightening, seductive and erotic…the effect of being frozen in fascination and suffering in that overload is that state of mind which allows a distinct encounter with the another self.”