Li 4 for Bergen Improstorband is a collection of modules for improvising musicians.
Each module is based on one or more ideas derived from formations and patterns occuring everywhere in nature: Ripples and dunes, cloud patterns, angular patterns, meanders and so on.
The patterns in nature, aka "Li" can be thought of as snapshots of certain moments in dynamic processes, where energy and form interact, similar to how music works. The forms of the natural patterns are mainly simple, but their context can be complex.
The piece on this recording was made through collective improvisation, with some instructions, pitches or frameworks inspired by the natural patterns.
Each section of the piece was recorded live over the course of one intense session, and edited together afterwards. Rather than creating a complete score from A to B (since this was a recording session and not a concert) I wanted to see if I could use the studio situation to create the form of the piece as we went along. I think the piece turned out great, especially because of the excellent musical contributions, dicipline and enthusiasm of Bergen Improstorband and the wonderful Iver Sandøy.
Li 4 is the fourth installment in a series of pieces based on these patterns in nature, and my process behind them is documented at
www.naturalpatterns.no. My compositional "toolbox" (from which this piece has been constructed) can also be found here.
Per Zanussi, August 2018