Biography

CHRONOVARIATIONS is a longform immersive sonic journey that explores the themes of time, resonance, and unfolding.

Through Heli Hartikainen's masterful saxophone performance and innovative use of electronics, the album invites listeners to explore a realm where sound evolves gradually, resonates holistically, and unfolds dramatically.

Recorded in the Medieval Nousiainen Church in western Finland, CHRONOVARIATIONS harnesses the building's acoustics to create a rich tapestry of sound. Using electromagnetic actuator loudspeakers attached to metal objects scattered throughout the church, Hartikainen transforms these objects into unconventional sound sources, resulting in distinct distortions and fascinating harmonics.

Of the themes at the centre of CHRONOVARIATIONS, Hartikainen says, "Time represents the creation of an ever-evolving space and atmosphere where gradual, almost imperceptible changes cause a temporal drift. Resonance symbolises the holistic nature of experiencing music and sound, whether the tools used are ancient or high-tech. Unfolding is the album's dramaturgical motion from internal to external: from the smallest sounds on the cusp of audibility to overflowing sonority; from muted and compressed to bright and full."

The album's recording process was meticulous, with a focus on capturing the textural details of each sound. A sophisticated ambisonic microphone setup, including a "microphone tree" comprising eight Schoeps ORTF-3D condenser microphones, was used to achieve a 360-degree sound recording, providing listeners with a truly immersive experience.

Tracklist

1. I
2. II & III
3. IV
4. V