The project “Future / just a dream?” is a cross-genre piece of music conceived and composed by Leonhard Gaigg. Using various instruments such as alto, bass and contrabass clarinet, guzheng and synthesizer, and on the basis of the processing and alienation of the sounds, he creates versatile sound worlds.
The artist describes his audio work as “film music without film”. The piece of music tells of his desired future in the form of a dream. It begins with a depiction of the present: modern society is dominated by an oppressive feeling; environmental pollution, pressure to perform, and a lack of equal rights are the order of the day. Drums give the monotonous beat of life, while the guzheng embodies the pandemic emanating from China. What follows is an escape into a dream about a possible version of the future. The dream world is characterized by symbiosis –
people live together as equals; individuals can realize and develop themselves.
The musical piece ends with an alienated pedalboard double bass clarinet solo. The sounds become more and more abstract and atonal until one is torn out of the dream.
Future / just a dream? was awarded a Young Professionals Honorary Mention in the u19-create your world category at the Prix Ars Electronica 2021.
Photo showing Leonhard Gaigg receiving a Honorary Mention for his project “Future / just a dream?” at the u19-create your world Award Ceremony. Credit: tom mesic
