Like Buckminster Fuller, reversible sweaters, or Mr. Potato
Head, Ensemble Pamplemousse's BLOCKS are a
rearrangeable construction of elements. Prefab modules by
the composers are reconfigured into new structures of sonic
architecture. As each block maintains its own internal logic,
the listener is pulled forward through the linear unfolding of
time. Intertwining patterns of material emerge and dissolve,
connect, obstruct, and confer with each other, unveiling
new angles of hearing each sonic unit.
A BLOCK consists of 8 short pieces composed for any
arrangement of voice, flute, violin, cello, percussion, piano,
and electronics. The pieces are written keeping in mind that
the parts will be pulled apart, recombined, split into pieces,
etc.,- merging with any of the other works. For example, the
first line of flute from a trio may be played with the third
line of another composition's piano part, followed by the
merging into the last bit from another composition layered
with the electronics of yet another composition. The order
is determined in concert, unique to each performance.
The intent is to provide an environment where we execute
our compositional and performance wishes continuously and
thoroughly throughout the work process. The result is a
truly unique performance, containing all the intricacy and
possibility of a composition coupled with the spontaneity
and excitement of an improvisation.

April 2013 BLOCKS are composed by:
Andres Cremisini, Amadeus Regucera, Lily Chen,
Dan VanHassel, Bryan Jacobs, Zosha di Castri,
Ryan Pratt and Lu Wang.
They are performed in their original composed
form in the first half of the concert, and recombined by
Pamplemousse in the second half.