renditions I: syllabisms (2026), 12’ 

renditions is a series of compositions where my aim is to creatively explore sonorities, performing practices and studio production clichés heard in the aesthetically wide-ranging and fluid 1960s experimental rock music tradition (so to speak). This first part, entitled syllabisms, is created out of the naive idea to deconstruct the sound of close-miked acoustic guitars and vocals, as typically produced in “singer/songwriter-style” recordings or in acoustic sections within longer pieces. I was always fond of the intimacy on the one side, and the raw energy on the other, rendered by this specific sound world. 

I intentionally chose the starting material for the piece to have a syllabic character: mirroring for example how a single guitar string is struck, fast strumming, performing harmonics; or how a vowel or a short melody is sung with timbral variations. These syllables were then grouped and processed through several iterative workflows combining voltage-control techniques and always some kind of manual playing, with whatever ad hoc procedure I chose to explore. In the resulting structures, even though made out of small syllables, voice and guitar material groups obtain a sonic continuity and relationship; echoing a guitar/voice performance. I am wondering … what would a singer/songwriter think of this? 

I am deeply thankful to Annija Krivjonoka for performing the vocal instructions and Babis Giannakopoulos for lending me his guitar and performing a few of the guitar materials.

syllabisms was premiered during the GRM Acousmonium concert series between March 5-7, 2026 at the Royal Conservatoire the Hague; as part of it's 200th anniversary celebrations.