Musiscoop
about the performance
Abracadabra
Abracadabra, a performance with magic lanterns that make music. Abracadabra is a colourful concert of images for children aged 3 to 93, with live music and a live magic lantern show. The new music has been composed specially for the performance by four young, talented composers. As they play, three trombonists and a percussionist operate mysterious magic lanterns such as the newly-invented string projector and trombone towers. Music becomes visible, pictures become musical.
In time to the music, two magic lantern performers bring tiny figures inside the magic lantern to life by hand on the big screen. From the wonderful devices they conjure giant dancing socks, an adventurous fish, and cars that pass by hooting their horns. In a duet, images and music set off together, sometimes running counter to each other, sometimes following their own paths.
Three trombone towers house magic lanterns and in front of them stand three trombonists. Black screens mounted on the trombones act as a cover for the lens of the magic lantern: when trombone is in front of the lens, it turns the picture off; when the trombone is beside the lens, it turns the picture on. As they play the trombonists determine the images on the screen and the rhythm in which they appear.
The string projector is a sound box/percussion instrument. Wooden and steel cases are mounted on a rocking-horse chassis. On top a string is attached, which runs though the projectors. Hanging from the string are little objects. By tapping, plucking or banging this instrument, vibrating areas of colour glide by on the screen. The music ‘makes’ the images. In turn, the percussionist responds to what is happening on the screen.
Abracadabra is suitable for young and old alike. The performance is divided into short ‘image-songs’, suited to the short attention spans of young children, while older children and adults can enjoy the complex layers of colourful, abstract shapes. The music is both cheerful and sophisticated. While the little ones are enchanted by the wonderful animation, the big ones will be fascinated by the ingenious figures and equipment.
Duration: 40 minutes
The String Projector can also be performed independently as a short act lasting approximately ten minutes, for example at festivals or in a foyer.
Abracadabra and the String Projector are available for programming during the coming two seasons.
Part I SOCK (2 trombones and 4 magic lanterns)
Two socks can stamp, tap dance, jump and shuffle together to lively music by Axel Schappert. The foot turns left, right and upside down, and changes colour. Sock makes an inviting beginning to the performance.
Part II DRIP (3 trombones and 4 magic lanterns)
On the screen, water drips, bubbles and rushes. A fish swims along with the current. Real water is manipulated in a small aquarium inside the magic lantern. The music by Argentinean composer Cecilia Arditto is subtle, strange, funny and surprising.
Part III STRING (1 string projector)
String is a solo for percussion and projection on the amazing string projector. The music by Eline Noorman swings, hums, rattles and creaks. When the string and sound box are played, different colours and shapes keep jumping and sliding in and out of the picture. Music and image perform a recognisable yet surprising and whimsical duet.
Part IV WHOOSH! (3 trombones and 6 magic lanterns)
Whoosh! is an explosion of colour and sound. Bart de Vrees gives a musical voice to the hectic rush of the motorway. Notes race by, changing pitch as they go. They hustle rectangles and lines along, which hurtle past in constantly overlapping colours.
With thanks to
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ThuisKopieFonds
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Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst |
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Nederlands Fonds voor PodiumKunsten |
On a big screen, a sock dances
Water splashes
A sailing boat glides through the air, and whoosh!
a square goes hooting by
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Nederlands
English