tracé /trait(2022)

for Orchestra

8 min

The initial idea for this piece is that a trace is made up of lines, yet multiple traces can also form a thicker line. As with drawing a line with ink, there may be interruptions, yet it is still a complete trace. Inspiration also comes from the book Le Plaisir au dessin by French philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy (1940-2021). I am fascinated by his idea that, for example, a “sketch is therefore the idea – it is the true form of the thing,” or that a “sketch unfolds a novel sense that does not conform to a pre-formed project.”

On the other hand, this work is an exploration of the relationship between “tracé” (drawing, sketch), “traces” and “trait”(line, mark) in terms of timbre, which are combined and transformed to create a complex sonic experience.