Vessel: Momentum
Electronic musician Vessel (Sebastian Gainsborough) and virtuoso violinist Rakhi Singh have been working together since 2014 after meeting through contemporary music group Immix Ensemble. Despite coming from wildly different backgrounds, they were energised and excited by the exchange of music and ideas, and by the prospect of pooling their experiences in the creation of something new to them both.
After many conversations about potential collaborations it was Rakhi who, in a moment of inspiration, hit upon the idea of using Janacek’s 2nd string quartet (Intimate Letters) as the basis of a work together. By turns messy, profound, deeply passionate and acrobatic, it is a piece that remains resolutely modern and vital to this day.
The collaboration will be a production of both the quartet itself and of a new original work. This work, in no way a deferential imitation of Janacek, will be a raw response to the fantastical, electrifying world he created; incorporating modern electronic practice, home-built instruments, the full string quartet and renowned harpist Rhodri Davis.
Rakhi and Vessel will mix traditional instrumental music and contemporary electronica in a way that draws from the strengths and practices of both worlds to the fullest, in the hope of creating a work is as challenging, enriching and relevant as Intimate Letters remains today.