Sonic Interferometry for Amplified Conducting Baton and Alto Flute

Published

23-6-2026

Type of Work

Creative Work - Music

Advisors and Contributors

Heliä Mailiis Viirakivi (Alto Flute)

Project Affiliation

Precept.Concept. Percept as part of the Bled Contemporary Music Festival

Abstract

About the composition: Sonic Interferometry explores conducting as a sonic practice, where gesture, sound, and amplification come together. The work transforms the conductor’s baton into an audible instrument, using amplification and live processing to render physical movement as sound.

The composition is structured in two parts, both derived from satellite imagery of Antarctica. The flute part is based on synthetic aperture radar images of the Transantarctic Mountains, where glacial formations are interpreted as flowing contours in a graphic score. These visual traces are translated into sonic motion, reflecting the slow movement of ice across the landscape.

The conductor’s part draws on interferometric radar imagery used to measure glacial displacement. Concentric phase bands which are normally visual indicators of movement, are scored as gestural-sonic waves. Traced through oscillating baton movements and captured via a contact microphone, these gestures are amplified and processed in real time, producing resonant echoes and delays.

Through this unique ensemble interaction, Sonic Interferometry explores expanded conducting practice and creates a dialogue between instrumental sound and amplified gesture to produce and explore new musical aesthetics.

Notes

Acknowledgements: both the conductor's and Altoflute's scores are based on European Space Agency satellite images. 

The flute part is based on P-band synthetic aperture radar imagery from the BIOMASS satellite showing a portion of the Transantarctic Mountains where the Nimrod Glacier flows into the Ross Ice Shelf. European Space Agency. BIOMASS Satellite. 2025

Conductor's score: 3D view of the tidal motion of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica recorded by the ICEYE Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation based on images acquired on May 11, 12 and 13, 2023.

Citation

Clarke. M. (2026). Sonic Interferometry for Amplified Conducting Baton and Aalto Flute. [Music Composition]. Creo.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS