Although Changed, I Arise the Same (The Spirituality of Spirals) by Calum Builder

Although Changed, I Arise the Same (The Spirituality of Spirals) is a personal artistic exploration into the artist’s shifting context & practice derived from the utilisation of spiral formations in the creative process. Originally conceived as an intervallic system based on spiral formations, this project evolved to encompass an investigation into the metaphorical and conceptual implications of spirals. This is a different form of a system — one not built on intervals but on swirling water & howling winds. It is a story about shifting from the concrete & practical to the abstract & conceptual. It explores how, where & why I utilise spiral formations. Yet, more pertinently, it discusses how working with spirals redefined my own artistic context. A spiral became a symbol that transcended inspiration. It became a form of spirituality.

 (The Spirituality of Spirals)

Although Changed, I Arise the Same

“There is something about this creature. I feel consumed by it. Fully immersed in swirling sounds and the fury of liquid spirits.

What is this that draws me in?

Why do I feel swept away? Where does it end and I begin?”

— Journal Entry 14.08.2021

‘Although Changed, I Arise The Same’ shifts between sublime ambience and flurries of tones. It features music composed for saxophone, two voices and Calum’s newly built instrument, the Reconstructed Pipe Organ.

Line-up:

Calum Builder: Saxophone & Reconstructed Pipe Organ

Wandering Spirits:

Johanna Sulkunen & Zola Mennenöh

‘Renewal Manifestation’ explores illuminations and reflections of spirits and revelations. It embraces stories of mystic visions and experiences that are poured out upon those who have sought communion with divine spirits. These are often not readily understood, and yet, fully embraced. Written for organ, alto saxophone, string trio and live sound manipulation, Renewal Manifestation brings forth an immense wave of spirit and sound that washes over the listener.

The work brings together Svend Hvidtfelt Nielsen (Organ), members of Crush String Collective; Maria Jagd (Violin); Pauline Hogstrand (Viola); Oda Dyrnes (Cello), Simon Mariegaard (Sound Design) and Calum on Alto Saxophone.

Renewal Manifestation approaches the organ like a living creature.

The monster is being taught how to breathe and sigh.

This is Murmuration.

'Murmuration' explores shifting composed movements and hive mind improvisation. Like birds in a murmuration, the ensemble moves as one uniform entity, where the form and shape change in ebbs and flows, taking us through ambient fields and chaotic rumbles. Using imagery like that of swirling wind, water and fire, the album is divided into three parts:

(i) Shadows in the Dark; (ii) Into the Maelström; (iii) Headland.

Ensemble: Calum Builder (Compositions/Alto Saxophone), Miguel Crozzoli (Tenor Saxophone), Carolyn Goodwin (Bass Clarinet), Sara Bulili (Bassoon), Erik Kimmestad (Trumpet), Håkon Guttormsen (Trumpet), Kristian Tangvik (Tuba), Basia Kammer (Viola), Oda Dyrnes (Cello), Piotr Dubajko (Double Bass), Jan Kadereit (Percussion)

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

Part I: Practical Part II: Metaphorical Part III: Conceptual Th e Reconstructed Organ Appendix (PSSP)

Murmuration

Renewal Manifestation

Home About Me Introduction Considerations Time Spiral Projects Final Concert

Although Changed, I Arise the Same

The Three Projects

Horns wailing in the wilderness, reverberating against the vast expanse of ocean and tide.

Strings manifest a swirling of wind and rain.

Amongst the chaos, you peer down, struggling to make out the creatures of moving shadows in the darkness.

You hear the distant, chasmic rumblings of the drums.

Growing and growing.

The rapid glorious sound of a bassoon vibrates with zeal and fire

— illuminating the sky above.

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