The Composition

Variable 4 takes the form of a surround-sound installation which responds to weather sensor data in real-time, generating music which reflects the current atmospheric conditions. This section describes the structure of the piece, from its physical structure to the 24 movements which make up its musical content.

To get started, select a section:

  1. Structure: Elements and layout of the physical installation itself.
  2. Score: The graphic score of Variable 4's total musical structure.
  3. Algorithms: The programmed elements which generate the ongoing musical detail.
  4. Movements: Variable 4's 24 movements, corresponding to sets of weather conditions.
  5. Wormholes: Navigating between distant parts of the score.

For a printable version, the piece is described in detail in a booklet accompanying the Dungeness installation (PDF, 18.1MB).

Two excellent independent video documentaries have been produced, both of which are viewable online:

Generously supported by Campbell Scientific Supported by RNLI Dungeness KEF
Supported by the Goldsmiths Annual Fund Supported by IdeasTap's IdeasFund Funded by the PRS for Music Foundation
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