MARC BEHRENS

Marc Behrens Architectural Commentaries 4&5 CD (E45) "An Architectural Commentary is a form of 'reviewing' architecture in which functional, symbolic and aesthetic aspects of a building or a bigger architectural structure are analysed. Inspiration for this cycle of compositions is drawn from architectural criticism, structures, buildings, involuntary cityscapes ('architecture without architects') and technological noise within buildings. One special recording session took place at Resonance FM, the London- based radio station, in June 2004. Patrick McGinley of Resonance FM and I recorded the studio equipment itself, the drive noises, ventilation, vibrations in the machines, the studio's air conditioning, doors… This particular array of sound forms the sole and exclusive basic material for Architectural Commentary 5: Some Models for Resonant Behaviour and links the cycle to earlier music pieces I constructed with sounds from computer labs. This part was commissioned by Resonance FM. In Architectural Commentaries I composed some structures (mainly in parts 4 and 5) loosely based on Luigi Nono's idea of 'isole musicali'. This means that encyclopaedic variations of themes are generated and often highlighted by silent breaks, like islands, between the individual parts, all different in form and size, but topologically similar." Frankfurt-based Behrens is presently best described as a 'sound artist', working across performance, installation and audio-visual recorded media. He also creates photographic works, designs record sleeves, and has even produced a bottle of white wine... (label info)