Peruvian March
Spirals
In The Mud
New One
4 Five VI Is an innovative ensemble that explores the intersection of improvised and composed music. The group performs creative music from diverse traditions spanning over 500 years and works with techniques integrating improvisation with written music and other artistic mediums. They have established an innovative performance practice in music of many genres and periods in a manner that captures the creativity, timelessness, and vitality of music from many eras. The ensemble facilitates this process by their use of many inventive techniques including the use of Soundpainting, a conducting language for improvisation utilizing over 700 gestures.
Through their innovative activities with film, video, and visual art 4 Five VI is also at the forefront of projects integrating visual and sound media. These include the collaborative creation and performance of original music with extraordinary films of the silent era and groundbreaking films and videography by contemporary directors.
A unique component of the ensembles creative process is their frequent exploration of atypical sources in the creation of musical material. For the past several years 4 Five VI has worked in this manner using a wide variety of techniques including the use of mathematical formulae, tone-row combinatoriality, isolation of visual media components, and the use of the gestural language of Soundpainting in collaboration with dancers and actors. The ensemble also has a longtime tradition of exploring innovative applications to music theory as a tool to create extemporaneous music.
In their programs featuring visual media collaborations, 4 Five VI specializes in working with innovative, new, and rarely-screened films and visual media. These include specially-curated programs focusing upon particular themes and elements. Recent programs include European Surrealist films 1920-30; a selection of rare Russian animated films from the early Soviet period; Masters of American Silent Comedy; and AquaCinema: water as a creative source.