Premiered at Ryosoku-in Temple, October 14, 15, 16, 2022
Solo Cello Performance, Spatialized Sound
Composition: Yannick Paget. Cello: William Prunkl. Scientific advisor: Koji Hashimoto. Special collaboration: Zen monk Toryo Ito
This performance delves into humanity’s place within the universe and its inherent uniqueness. Singularities occur where the general laws of physics no longer hold—can the concept of free will be considered a form of singularity? Could humanity itself be a singularity in the cosmos?
In this movement, sound is expressed in its purest form, resonating through the temple’s wooden structure, which acts as a natural amplifier. Various objects throughout the space are set into vibration. The audience can explore these subtle resonances as they move freely through the temple and garden. This immersive experience encourages contemplation of singularities, both physical and existential, as the environment’s natural acoustics enhance the themes of the performance.
