alponom

you origin /

“you origin” is a conceptual composition by Stephen O'Malley, created in close collaboration with Balthasar Streiff for the Swiss ensemble alponom. It was originally conceived as a site-specific work for the megalithic menhirs in Carnac, Brittany, and consists of four acoustic movements (pitches), each lasting one hour, performed twice at dusk and twice at dawn.

The musicians play in five pairs, creating a resonating soundscape into which the audience can immerse itself. Ten alphorns play long, cyclical tones based on natural overtone series. The fourth movement is performed with two pairs of alphorns and three pairs of large conch shells. The composition is based on slow changes, subtle interferences, breathing, and repetitions. The sound becomes a reference point for everything happening in the surroundings, and the changing processes in nature and the environment are integrated into the whole, including the slowly changing light conditions of sunrise and sunset.

 

The audience, and we musicians as well, are strongly drawn back upon ourselves by the even, yet in its details incredibly vibrant, soundscape. The music creates an intense connection between landscape, sounds, changing light, and weather, leading to a deep emotional engagement; enjoyment, introspection, reflection.

 

world premiere you origin

May 2023 Megalithic fields in F-Carnac

 

Further performances

May 2024 La Beque in CH-Vevey

June 2025 Monastery garden in CH-Bulle

November 2025 Sacrum profanum Festival in Krakow, Poland

May 2026 Serralves em festa Festival in P-Porto