DECOHERENCE

for trumpet and computer

ABOUT

Decoherence is dedicated to Samuel Wells and was commissioned by a consortium consisting of Samuel Wells, Aaron Hodgson, Scott Thornburg, and the UMKC Trumpet Studio. The work abstractly reflects on a phenomenon in quantum physics and a possible explanation for the phenomenon. 

Decoherence is a phenomenon whereby particles that have probable locations always take on a specific location when observed by a human.  This is represented through the presentations of hundreds of possible ways to a play a single pitch on the trumpet followed by the performer’s decision to play the pitch in a specific manner. Also, when the performer is making a decision about what to play, he or she becomes part of the video. One possible explanation for how probable locations collapse into a specific location is that all probable locations come to exist in their own parallel universe upon observation. As the work progresses the trumpet player has less and less freedom as the specific universe he or she inhabits is increasingly defined by past decisions. 

SCORE

about the technology

This work features live audio processing, triggered fixed media playback, and real time visuals. When the trumpet player is making decisions, they become part of the video.