Autosymphonic
Autosymphonic» is an unprecedented large-scale symphonic spectacle that merges music, technology, and motion into a multidimensional sound experience. Conceived for Mannheim – the birthplace of the automobile – the work celebrates the fusion of human creativity and technological innovation.
Its nine movements unfold as a dialogue between man and machine, uniting orchestra, choirs, percussionists, and car orchestras across the urban space. The 120 percussionists perform on vehicles arranged in spatial formations, creating a surround-sound landscape that transforms the city square into a living instrument.
Scored for
Instrumentation Details
Parts
I. Overture — for percussion nonet, symphony orchestra, choir, and electronics.
II. Genesis — for 14 solo automobiles, automobile orchestra in three groups, 120 automobile players, symphony orchestra, choir, percussion octet, and electronics.
III. Man and Machine — for choir, symphony orchestra, automobile orchestra in two groups, 120 automobile players, percussion octet, and electronics.
IV. The Dream (The Automobile) — for pop band vocal ensemble, symphony orchestra, choir, and percussion quintet. (Text by Xavier Naidoo and Metaphysics)
V. Form Follows Function (Autoquartet) — for four automobiles, 14 automobile players, and electronics.
VI. The Promise — for 12 solo automobiles, automobile orchestra in seven groups, 120 automobile players, symphony orchestra, choir, percussion octet, and electronics.
VII. On the Road — for children’s/youth choir. (Text: «Im Auto über Land» by Erich Kästner)
VIII. Virtual Reality — for 14 solo automobiles, automobile orchestra in four groups, 120 automobile players, symphony orchestra, choir, percussion octet, and electronics.
IX. Finale — for 12 solo automobiles, automobile orchestra in nine groups, 120 automobile players, symphony orchestra, choir, children’s choir, pop band vocal ensemble, percussion octet, and electronics.
Year of Composition
2010 – 2011
Duration
60′
Text by
«Die Erfindung des Automobils. Erinnerungen eines Achtzigjährigen» (The Invention of the Automobile: Memories of an Octogenarian) by Carl Benz.
Language
German
Genre
Polymedia, Site-specific, Symphonic
Commissioned by
m:con – mannheim:congress GmbH · City of Mannheim
Funded by
10 September 2011
Performers
SWR Baden-Baden and Freiburg Symphony Orchestra
SWR Vocal Ensemble Stuttgart
Stuttgart State Opera Children’s Chorus
Söhne Mannheims
Pop Academy Baden-Württemberg
120 adolescents from the City of Mannheim
Vocal Ensemble Conductor: Klaas Stok
Children’s Chorus Conductor: Johannes Knecht
Electronic Sound Production and Studio Direction: Nick Elia
Car Casting and Recordings: Stephan Diebel
Spatial Sound Reinforcement: Pool Group Frankfurt · Schoko Pro Wiesbaden · Projektwerk Darmstadt
Multimedia Visualisation: Horst Hamann
Tarm Bochum · Looplight Marburg · Showfootage Marburg
Medienallianz Ludwigshafen · Gerdon Lights and Scenic Design