O, Cassandra (2025)

for alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, and electronics

In verbal language we speak without visual reinforcement. One does not need a script in order to have a conversation. Once we are hit by language, or music, or any sound, we are powerless against its affect. Immediately we judge, react, absorb. This is the nature of listening.

O, Cassandra is a generative work that explores the inherent spontaneity of listening. It is divided into 15 sections and output in six-channel audio feeding three sets of headphones. The performers play what they hear in their headphones, the same way they play what they see when reading from a written score. The pitches are taken from the seventh octave of overtones above a very low E, at 10hz.

ZACK HANN

ABOUT

MUSIC

TEACHING

CONTACT