Timekeepers of the Ancient Void, by Peter Scartabello

Timekeepers of the Ancient Void

by Peter Scartabello

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	1.	I 08:48
	2.	II 08:33
	3.	III 07:31
	4.	IV 10:22
	5.	V 09:14
	6.	VI 15:29
	7.	VII 20:12

about

10 years in the making! This album represents my continuing interest in pulsar astronomy. Inspired by these perfect galactic timekeepers, I set out to realize the intricate rhythmic and harmonic web they create together. Compiling data from nearly 50 Pulsars, I used their periods of rotation to determine both rhythm and pitch. I also used their distance from earth to determine their entrances in the piece. The timbre of each pulsar is derived from the waveform data for each pulsar. These pulses are then rendered into continuous streams using granular synthesis processes for both pitches or rhythms depending on whether or not they fall within the range of human hearing. I've also been fascinated by the songs of cicadas and over the years I've catalogued 100s of these from around the world. When I started working on the piece I imagined that these insects were somehow receiving the stellar transmissions and vibrating sympathetically with them. This piece represents only the 1st part in a series I will continue to work on. Finally I dedicate this piece to Iannis Xenakis, whose electronic music changed the trajectory of my work many years ago and continues to be a great inspiration today..