Above
for ensemble and soundtrack (1999)
In Above the same note material is repeated literally in the ensemble and only the soundtrack is changed, providing new surroundings for the ensemble. With this changing soundtrack layer each of the repeated sections gets a different context, meaning and purpose. The soundtrack exists of repeats and previews of moments in the ensemble. Ensemble sounds are lifted and stretched out completely, and new surroundings for the musicians surface.
Ives Ensemble
Above is part of the "Preposition" trilogy - Above, Between, Attach. Each part focuses on a specific positioning of the musical material.
Press
"Above has a clear line of reasoning. In a very well build up process, Van der Aa makes the most of a small rudimental melodic ingredient."
— Roeland Hazendonk, Telegraaf, 22 March 2001