Output details

Danserye (DVD-video, Audio CD and CD-ROM performing material in PDF)

This collaborative project with the choreographer Sebastian Matthias is based on Thielman Susato’s collection of dances ‘Danserye’ from 1551, and was commissioned by Norddeutscher Rundfunk. It is a physical and sonic exploration of how music and dance can influence each other throughout the creative process. The composition involved applying the limited reliable information about dance steps and choreography of sixteenth-century court and folk dances to the original music and falls into two different modes: composed dances and improvisation on composed cells. An example of a composed dance applied the basic step of the Bransle, two steps to the right, one to the left, to the original score by Susato. The result retained enough of the original harmonic properties to keep a clearly audible connection with the idea of Renaissance music, while the rhythms became highly complex, creating a liberating ambiguity that was commented on by audiences in every one of the post-performance talks. In addition to composed dances, the composer created hundreds of small cells, which were then categorised and formed the basis of the improvised sections. The choreographer worked in the same manner using the same two approaches to creating material.

An important artistic decision was the elimination of the physical separation of stage and auditorium, instead accommodating musicians, performers and audience in the same space, creating a visceral and physical experience for both audience and performers.

Danserye was first performed in Hamburg on 16 January 2013, and a total of 23 times to sold-out venues in Hamburg, Berlin, Antwerp, Basle, Zürich, Berne, Freiburg and Utrecht. Further performances are booked for 2014.

Submitted materials: DVD-video; Audio CD (studio recording); Performing material (PDFs on CD-ROM).