
2014 / Electronic
DURATION
10 minutesINSTRUMENTATION
harp samples
- A Little Loopy Sharlene Wallace (harp) 09:54
Programme Notes
The phrase “a little loopy” often conjures images of eccentricity, confusion, or a touch of madness. But in the case of this composition, the meaning couldn’t be further from that. Rather than chaos, this piece is a celebration of joy, contentment, and energy—feeling “loopy” in the best possible way. The title reflects the minimalist nature of the work and, of course, its frequent loops that form the heartbeat of the piece.
Originally, I envisioned this as a solo harp piece. However, it quickly became clear that it would be physically impossible for a single harpist to perform it in real time. So, I reimagined it by dividing the composition into four voice ranges: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Each voice corresponds to a specific pitch range and a distinct subdivision of a beat, creating a rhythmic framework where every part occupies its own unique position within the pulse.
I had the talented harpist Sharlene Wallace record each of the four parts mostly “on the beat.” Then, in the editing process, Jean Martin and I shifted each part rhythmically so that they interweave in a pointillistic fashion, resulting in a texture of shifting sonorities that maintains a cohesive drive despite its complexity.
Played at a fast tempo, the rapid repetition and rhythmic momentum create a hypnotic, humming effect in my head when I hear it. I toyed with calling it A Little Drone-y, but I find A Little Loopy captures its essence just a bit better—full of life, movement, and the kind of playful energy that loops endlessly back to itself.
– Frank Horvat

RECORDING
What Goes Around
Sharlene Wallace (harp)
Producer: Frank Horvat, Jean Martin
Label: Centrediscs