Output details

Approaching Apocalypse: electroacoustic, video and narrative representation of the Book of Revelation, on DVD-video, also with audio-only version.

Approaching Apocalypse builds on Hall’s commissioned piece _Close at Hand_ (2007, Lighthouse Media) that blurred the distinction between composer-led scoring for visual media and sound design by means of electroacoustic composition. It also explores some themes that have been present in Hall’s earlier electroacoustic works dating back to his PhD project (University of Birmingham, 2002), particularly the notion of spirituality as a theme and source within a technology-driven medium.

It is an audiovisual representation of the Book of Revelation, presented in an hour-long piece of surround sound (pre-diffused), narrative-led, quasi-radiophonic sonic art with digital visuals, based on a new translation of the Revelations text from the original Greek. Electroacoustic-led sonic art drives the auditory landscape, which also features choral voice and instrumental musics, with a dramatic setting read by leading international actors, including Joss Ackland and Julian Rhind-Tutt. In certain respects – the textual source, the sense of recitative to drive narrative forward versus more self-standing aria-like scenes, and harmonic structuring – it alludes to the form of a compact oratorio.

The presentation of Approaching Apocalypse ran for eight performances, 10-15 November 2008, at St Martin’s in the Bullring, Birmingham, with the soundtrack subsequently released on CD and the full audio-visual production as a DVD-video. The premiere of the work was featured extensively on BBC TV’s Songs of Praise, Radio 4’s Sunday programme, BBC WM and BBC Midlands Today. It has subsequently been broadcast in the US and Europe on numerous radio stations.

Some further information on the project, and critical responses to the work, can be read on the project website: <http://www.approachingapocalypse.com>; see also

<http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/11/04/approaching_apocalypse_feature.shtml>