Date: July 2023
In the heart of Transcendence, music serves as the emotional foundation that guides audiences through an immersive world of art and light. The project’s unique fusion of sound and visuals relies on the meticulous preparation and synergy between visual artist and pianist Arnaud Quercy and composer and flutist Frank von Häfen. With an extensive range of pieces, both classical and original, Quercy and von Häfen have been conducting intensive rehearsals to perfect every note and transition, ensuring a powerful live performance that harmonizes seamlessly with the 360-degree visual experience.
Crafting a Musical Journey
From the outset, von Häfen and Quercy sought to evoke themes of faith, love, and hope through a carefully curated selection of music. The duo’s repertoire for Transcendence includes works by iconic composers like J.S. Bach and Edward Elgar, whose pieces add a sense of timelessness and emotional depth. For instance, Bach’s Prelude in C Major serves as a meditative opening, welcoming the audience into the immersive environment with a sense of calm and introspection. The somber elegance of Elgar’s Salut d’Amour captures themes of love and yearning, enriching the visual elements of the performance.
The lineup also features Lili Boulanger’s D’un Matin de Printemps, a piece chosen for its dynamic, spring-like energy, symbolizing rebirth and hope. Alongside these classical compositions, von Häfen introduces his original works, crafted specifically to complement Quercy’s visual creations. His compositions add a contemporary layer to the musical journey, bridging the classical with the modern and weaving soundscapes that deepen the thematic exploration.
Synchronizing Sound and Vision
One of the most intricate aspects of the rehearsal process has been aligning the musical pieces with the 360-degree projections. Each rehearsal session involves testing the timing and pacing of the music with the animated visuals created by Quercy. “Every note needs to resonate with the visuals,” explains von Häfen. “It’s not just a musical performance—it’s a dialogue between sound and light, a way to guide the viewer’s experience in an intentional, unified flow.”
During rehearsals, the duo fine-tunes aspects such as tempo changes, volume dynamics, and transitions between classical and original compositions. This attention to detail allows for a fluid interplay where the music and visuals enhance each other, drawing the audience deeper into the immersive atmosphere.
Technical Sound Precision
To ensure a consistent auditory experience, Quercy and von Häfen have adjusted each piece for the acoustics of the gallery at Koblenz Art Club, ensuring clarity and resonance within the unique space. The piano and flute, both integral to the musical performance, have been meticulously synchronized with soundscapes generated by electronic wind instruments, adding layered depth to the classical pieces. For example, von Häfen has created electronic enhancements to Boulanger’s D’un Matin de Printemps, amplifying its spring-like vibrancy to align with the blooming, animated visuals projected around the room.
A Labor of Passion and Precision
As the opening of Transcendence draws nearer, each rehearsal has brought Quercy and von Häfen closer to achieving their vision—a symphony of sound and light that transcends traditional performance boundaries. Rehearsals have been a process of both rigorous precision and artistic experimentation, allowing the musicians to respond to the gallery space and the powerful visuals that surround them.
“This project has demanded an intense level of coordination,” shares Quercy. “Every element, from the music to the visuals, must flow together to create an experience that feels whole and immersive.”
The final result promises to be an evocative journey, where classical music and contemporary compositions intertwine with mesmerizing projections, transporting audiences into a world of emotional and sensory discovery. With the preparations nearing completion, Transcendence is set to debut as a symphonic and visual experience that redefines the boundaries of artistic collaboration.