N-Ensemble Electroacoustic — Formed by Manuel Falleiros (winds, digital processing); André Martins (guitar, mandolin, digital processing); and Bruno Trochmann (strings and prepared instruments), the group features experienced improvisers specialized in the language of open music and non-idiomatic improvisation.
The ensemble performs “Treatise” by the British composer Cornelius Cardew (1936–1981), considered the largest musical work written as a graphic score, spanning nearly 200 pages. The group presented the complete performance of the piece, lasting over two hours of uninterrupted, live-created music.
The score brings together a variety of geometric figures, numbers, lines, and some musical symbols. It was written between 1963 and 1967. The composer never provided specific instructions for it, but suggested that each performer or ensemble construct their own interpretation, thereby questioning the possibilities of meaning.
Cardew’s Treatise was inspired by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein’s work Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, which examines the limits of human language. Similarly, Cardew sought to explore the limits of musical notation by using unconventional symbols that have no predefined meaning. Each musician, or the group, must create their own set of meanings to deliver a unique performance.
During the performance of this work, the composer expects the audience to be free to appreciate it in a more informal way. While respecting the musicians’ work, audience members are free to leave the hall to relax and return whenever they wish; they may explore other viewing angles by changing seats, or simply listen to the performance with their eyes closed.
fotos Paulo Assis