Come Not, When I Am Dead for Baritone, Piano, and Live Electronics

[Tyler Hughes]

This is my first time writing for live electronics. I used Max/MSP to create the live electronic part and its controlled by the singer as they sing with a foot pedal. The effects I used were mainly delay and reverb, but I also used harmonizer and prerecorded sounds, as well as live recording and playback. 

This is a very rough recording of it, as it still has yet to be actually premiered. 

Many things can be improved and feedback is always welcomed. 

Here are what some of the patches look like for those interested:

[Quinn Mason]

Look at the science....

That would be hard for me to figure out, but then again, i'm only a freshmen.

[Jong Kim]

This is a fantastic work--the voice augmented by live electronics is really interesting, and the spare piano accompaniment feels just right; it's enough to give definition to the melodic lines and outline harmonic content while leaving enough room for the listener to focus on the nuances of the voice. I agree with Jon that it is difficult to discern the words, but I wonder if you've already given thought to this; I'm thinking that the text is probably provided on the program, and perhaps that is enough for the audience to make the connection between words and music. Still, Jon's comment about the meters of words and music is very insightful--something I should consider more often in my own work.

Really wonderful piece. Best wishes on its premiere!