Reflejos del aura

“Reflejos del aura” is a piece, almost a game or even a joke about the symmetry of the violoncello or any string instrument. As it is known, the string symmetry allows to realise the same pitches on the upper part of the string, through the harmonic positions, and on the lower part with ordinary positions. This is the unifying thread of the structure of the piece. The same sonorous objects are used in both parts of the string; the ones played in the upper part, as harmonic sounds, filter out the sound producing different timbres than the sonorous objects played in the lower part. This concept of symmetry is extrapolated to the structure and the rhythms.
As it was said, in this piece I explore the acoustics of the instrument. Almost all notes are natural or artificial harmonics and multiphonics with many colour changes. There are other techniques to create a contrast between parts. For instance, I explore the degradation of the harmonic notes. I achieve that degradation through the progressive shift of the bow from the ordinary position on the string to a node position. Drawing the bow on a node, the vibration of the string is prevented and only noise is achieved.
Furthermore the multiphonics technique is also explored, reaching beautiful sonorities.
As an abstract concept, the piece tries to avoid the typical romantic “aura” of the cello while respecting the nature and the “traditional” technique of the instrument.
Premiered by Francesco Dillon at the Salone degli Affreschi degli Study "Aldo Moro" in Bari (Italy).