Composer

:

Alvin Lucier

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2012

Average_duration

:

18:16

"Two Circles" is a composition for two performers, composed by Alvin Lucier in 1976. The piece premiered on October 22, 1976, at the University of California, San Diego. The composition consists of two performers, each with a sine wave oscillator and a loudspeaker. The performers move around the performance space, creating a series of overlapping circles of sound. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is characterized by slow, sweeping sine waves that gradually increase in frequency. The performers move in a circular pattern, creating a series of concentric circles of sound. As the sine waves increase in frequency, the circles become smaller and more tightly spaced. The second movement is more chaotic, with the performers moving in a more random pattern. The sine waves are more dissonant, creating a sense of tension and unease. The circles of sound overlap and intersect, creating a complex web of sound. The third movement is characterized by a return to the slow, sweeping sine waves of the first movement. The performers move in a circular pattern, creating a series of concentric circles of sound. As the sine waves decrease in frequency, the circles become larger and more widely spaced. Overall, "Two Circles" is a minimalist composition that explores the relationship between sound and space. The use of sine waves creates a sense of purity and simplicity, while the movement of the performers creates a sense of dynamism and spatial complexity. The piece is a testament to Lucier's innovative approach to sound and his ability to create compelling compositions using minimal means.

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