Performing Australian Electroacoustic Works for the Paetzold Contrabass Recorder

Abstract

A striking instrumental design innovation in recent years has been the development of the Paetzold ‘square bass’ bass recorders, sparking interest among performers and composers to develop a new approach to contemporary performance practice and electroacoustic composition. This article examines two works by Australian composers that have been performed by the author. Both pieces are written for the Paetzold contrabass recorder in F, applying its unique sound palette within different compositional approaches and structures. The electroacoustic works surveyed also use a fixed media soundscape drawing on varying levels of gesture and improvisation from the live performer(s). The works present different relationships between the pre-recorded soundscape and the contrabass recorder and provide an opportunity for the performer to experiment with the large range of sounds possible. This article also serves as a summary of tools, sounds and techniques for composers interested in writing for the instrument.