On September 16, 2023, Kammerakademie Potsdam, conducted by Antonello Manacorda will be premiering Britta Byström's newest orchestral work Fractal Music.
Drawing inspiration from the geometric fractals pioneered by the French mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot, Byström delves into the mesmerizing world of musical fractal patterns, where identical musical figures emerge simultaneously at different tempos.
Intrigued by the interplay of fractals in nature, such as tree branches, broccoli romanesco, river systems, and snowflakes, Byström ingeniously weaves these captivating patterns into her composition. Fractal Music is a masterful and colourful exploration of musical figures, resonating with the complexity found in the natural world.
'My piece 'Fractal music' is built on musical fractal patterns: An identical musical figure will appear – often simultaneously – in different tempos, for instance one layer in half notes, one in quarter notes, one in eighth notes.' Says Byström and continues: 'I have also been inspired by the Danish composer Per Nørgård’s infinity series – here in its most basic form, applied on two notes only, which brings forward the fractal dimension within Nørgård’s infinity system. With those quite strict tools, I have played a fascinating game, trying to combine fractal structures with musical fantasy.'
Performance Details
September 16, 2023
Kammerakademie Potsdam
Antonello Manacorda, conductor
Nikolaisaal, Potsdam, Germany
