The residency of Dennis Báthory-Kitsz (electro and/or acoustic composer) and Stevie Balch (midwife) was based on the subject of birth songs and maternity issues.
During their stay in Nodar, they recorded more than fifty local traditional songs, several hours of soundscapes and interviews with local women, along with hundreds of photographs taken.
The work conceived for the final presentation was an electro-acoustic sound & photographic poem of about 30 minutes, which very successfully incorporated the diverse elements collected and worked throughout the residency.
It seemed interesting and relevant that people like Dennis and Stevie who have a strong personality and experience in their respective areas of intervention produced such a poignant and simple work, understandable for everyone that was at the final presentation of the project.
Sound Pieces:
“Pão” (“Bread”)
A composition for string quartet inspired by a traditional song recorded in Februrary 2007 in the neighbour village of Candal by Gonçalo Oliveira (MIDI sound)
“Creaking Door”
An improvisation with a an old creeking door swayed by Luis Costa
“Three Songs for Manuela”
Three electroacoustic pieces using sound recordings made in Nodar along with Manuela Barile’s funny voice.