Idolum

Idolum was written for the TAK ensemble and is scored to violin, flute, and two performers playing guitar-machines, which are Arduino-based instruments that plays guitars with motors via distance sensors. Idolum is approximately 10 minutes in duration.

Idolum refers to something akin to a spirit: a non-corporeal entity. This titles refers to both the nature of music in general as well as the means of playing the distance sensors that drive the guitar machines in performance. Another reading of the title points towards non-poetic aspects of music — Idolum aspires to be pure music, exploring the instruments, their sounds, and how these sounds may evolve and interact over time to create indescribable impressions on the mind. In this way, music is like a spell or hypnotism, pulling thought and emotions this way and that way to those who are willing.