Amongst No. 1 was created in improvisation and developed over many months of re-performance. It layers short phrases with the use of a loop pedal or software. The goal of this work is to create an immersive world in which the audience sits amongst sound. 

In notating this work it is worth mentioning its history and its purpose. Amongst No. 1 is responsive, not prescriptive. The notes on the page are a guide. It is encouraged that the performer takes liberty with time, repeats, dynamics, even where certain phrases are placed in the work. If the performer is comfortable doing so they are welcome to use the material to improvise their own phrases. Amongst No.1 has taken anywhere between 5-25 minutes to perform. Duration can be tailored to the program. 

Reference recordings can be found on Blankendaal’s solo album Alongside, Amongst, Against (2020), recorded with the assistance of the Music Development Office (SA). 

Difficulty: Moderate (use of electronics)

Length: 6-12 mins

Reference recording below.

Alongside was created in improvisation and developed over many months of re-performance. A sister piece to ‘Amongst No. 1’, Alongside was initially an improvisatory response to ‘Good News from Outerspace’, an exhibition by Nicholas Hanisch and Cassie Thring at praxis ARTSPACE. The otherworldly, extraterrestrial characteristics of this exhibition resonates through this piece.

Alongside is responsive, not prescriptive. The notes on the page are a guide. It is encouraged that the performer takes liberty with time, repeats, dynamics, even where certain phrases are placed in the work.

If the performer is comfortable doing so they are welcome to use the material to improvise their own phrases.

Alongside has taken anywhere between 6-12 minutes to perform.