MEDIATHEK

The techno opera PROTOKOLS explores cultural paradoxes by using the computer to re-invent ancient spirituality while constantly being under the influence of our hectic, globalised culture. The Opera's aesthetic was built upon the traditions of musical instrument development (technology through the ages), and pushes this forward through adding uncanny digital manipulation. Through sampling and collaboration with classical instrumentalists, unorthodox combinations of sound textures and musical traditions are shaped into mystic avant-garde sound worlds. The mise-en-scène reaches high-intensity levels through a live LED lights/visuals setup that is selfengineered (metal constructions) and programmed to interact with the musicians, venue and audience.

The Protokols opera is based on Von Nohrfeldt’s identically titled album, with its mystic sounding foundation lying in the juxtaposition of mystic minimalism (inspired by Morton Feldman, Giacinto Scelsi, Gyorgi Ligeti, Japanese Noh, etc.) and experimental techno (inspired by Murcof, Autechre, Ryoji Ikeda, etc.). Protokols regularly superimposes this dark and heavy drive with the fragile beauty of early classical solos (inspired by Händel, Ganassi, Dowland, etc.). The compositions are (classically) dynamic, often building up from almost complete silence. The sound is highly detailed and cover the complete spectrum of human audible sound, including extremely high glitches and the lowest possible sub bass. Von Nohrfeldt is the classical-electronic alter ego of Amsterdam based composer and sound designer Rutger Muller (MA Music Technology, Utrecht School of the Arts, 2012).

All the artists performing in the opera found each other through their shared love for improvisation, cross-cultural sound, and deep listening environments. Kim-José Bode is a music theater director, recorder player and singer, Wen Chin Fu plays cello and her self-designed wearable instruments, Rutger Muller used the computer for digital sound processing, and Naïvi created live visuals based on custom-built LED lighting. With this team, PROTOKOLS has been performed twice in 2014, in the concert hall of Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ supporting Robert Henke, and at the Prins27 theatre during Rewire Festival. The classical and theatrical settings of these concerts proved to convey the atmosphere of Protokols optimally.