Test Signal (2006)
   

 

 Test Signal involves a large video projection of Colour bars (normally used by video and broadcast technicians to verify signal accuracy) accompanied by a live choir. The Choir commences by singing the sustained tone that normally accompanies the colour bars (440hz or concert A). Their voices are picked up by a microphone and translated in real time to produce the colours of the industry standard Colour Bars. Slowly, as the composition and timbre of individual voices begin to deviate from a set tone the colours follow, modulating the different hues within the colour spectrum.
 
 
production diagrams illustrating the relationship of a choirs voices to colours within the test signal (2006)

 

Notes on Test Signal's development

Test Signal (Baritone) was first presented on 23rd July 2002 in Rakvere Castle, Estonia as part of the performance festival KanaNahk. In this instance the piece was performed by a single Baritone, Olari Yusef, who interpreted the changing colours of a pre-programmed score of shifting colour bars with an intuitive atonal accompaniment. Test Signal (Baritone) was similarly performed as part of Brides of March at The Embassy in Edinburgh on 4th March 2004.

In 2005 funding from The Elephant Trust enabled the commissioning of a computer program that allowed voice to modulate the Colour Bars in real time. Test Signal was realised as a full polyphonic and generative performance with The New London Chamber Choir at The South London Gallery on 23rd March 2006.

 
Rehearsal of Test signal (2006)
   
  Further info:
 

detailed technical information for test signal 
the new london chamber choir 
   
 
related works
 

omega (2004)  
commentary on the decision (2006)
good vibrations (2001)  
red house (2006)
coloured plates (2006) 
   
  other moving image works   
     
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