Viewpoint

various artists compilation - Viewpoint: Works from BEAST Vol. 3

BEAST (Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre) is an organisation dedicated to the highest standards of public presentation of electroacoustic music and sonic art. Founded by Jonty Harrison in 1982, it came to international attention when it provided the concert sound system for the 1990 International Computer Music Conference in Glasgow. It has played in events and festivals all over the UK and has made a number of appearances in mainland Europe, most recently in Berlin for the Inventionen Festival. BEAST is based in the Department of Music at the University of Birmingham and has a close relationship with Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Composers associated with BEAST, predominantly those who work or have worked in the Electroacoustic Music Studios (at the University of the Birmingham), have won international prizes and have been commissioned by leading studios and performers; many are now teaching the next generation of composers and sound artists. Their individual aesthetics are united by a common desire to explore the vast potential of the electroacoustic medium and to bring this to the ear of the listening public.

Audio samples of pieces by BEAST composers, and details of forthcoming events can be found on their website.

About this compilation:

Aldeburgh beach is a viewpoint. What you see is the sea and an English beach. But what does it look like on the other side? What are the beaches like along the opposite coastline? BEAST gives you a sonic impression of what you would be able to see if the conditions were different.

You are invited to take a seat in one of the eight compartments facing coastal points of different European countries along the North Sea coast. Listen to eight BEAST composers presenting their works and letting you hear more than you can't see. (liner notes)

Tracklisting:

1. Richard Whitelaw - Norway {2:03}

2. Andy Dollerson - Sweden (Bowen, on Skagerrak) {5:04}

3. Iain Armstrong - Holmsland Klit, Denmark {4:07}

4. Michael Wolters - Germany {8:16}

5. Jon Aveyard - Noordwijk, Holland {4:37}

6. David Berezan - Belgium, (The Wall and De Panne) {7:05}

7. Peter Batchelor - France (vis-à-vis) {5:52}

8. Antti Saario - England (G+T - swimmers) {10:47}

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