Cult Figures is a fascinating collection of electroacoustic works by Canadian composers. Spanning the 40 years between 1966 and 2006, the music on this disc encapsulates all of the species and genres in the entire spectrum of electroacoustic music history, from the early ‘slice and splice’ tape techniques, as represented in the work of Michael Horwood, to computer-generated synthesis evident in works by Michael Matthews and Helve Sastok.

This recording marks the fifth edition of the Prairie Sounds imprint of the Centrediscs label, an imprint which is dedicated to releasing recording projects that are initiated and funded within the Prairie region of Canada, and has been made possible with the support of the Canadian Music Funds and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Video:

Full of Stars – electroacoustic music by Aris Carastathis; video by Mark Nisenholt

MICHAEL MATTHEWS

1. On the Outer Edge

ROLF BOON

2. Waves

REINHARD VON BERG

3. Cult Figure

ARIS CARASTATHIS

4. Full of Stars

DON ROSS

5. My Dad’s Story

ROLF BOON

6. System 2.3/7

IAN CRUTCHLEY

7. Arco/Lyrically

HELVE SASTOK

8. Sailing the High ‘C’

MICHAEL HORWOOD

9. Monday Afternoon

ROBERT MORIN

10. Blue Evening

PIOTR GRELLA-MOZEJKO

11. WOW! (Is My Cat a Rock’n’Roller?)

PERFORMERS:

University of Lethbridge Contempory Music Ensemble: Mark Petrunia and Rolf Boon (synthesisers/synthétiseurs); Marla Merrils (vibraphone); Shannon Heffeman (marimba); Sarah Burger (chimes); Andrew Farrow (percussion); Adam Carpenter (guitar/guitare); Travis Conrad (alto saxophone/saxophone alto); Shawn Lindenbach (conductor/chef d’orchestre)