DBR/Elan Vytal
This After Dark featured the music of Haitian-American composer/violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR). DBR’s innovative works range from orchestral scores, electronica, and chamber pieces to music for theater, film, and modern dance. For his June 2, 2011 performance, DBR collaborated with Bay Area native Elan Vytal (aka DJ Scientific) on turntables.
The concert highlighted tracks from DBR’s latest albums, Woodbox Beats & Balladry and etudes4violin&electronix, as well as some original tracks created by Elan Vytal, DBR’s long-time collaborator and Bay Area DJ. Echoing DBR’s career, the music contained elements of classical minimalism, dance club beats, traditional ballads, and thick distortion.
The core of this performance was DBR’s signature custom 6-string amplified violin. While using an array of techniques and technologies, DBR’s frequent aggressive, percussive lower-string bowing (an extra two strings are added to his instrument for bass lines) makes his violin a vital sonic and compositional force.
The evening also included tours and activities led by the Exploratorium's Explainers.
Praise for DBR’s Sonata for Violin and Turntables:
“Both performers brought a combination of unabashed earnestness and quicksilver musical wit.” —The Boston Globe
“The music was involving, tonal, and eminently accessible, steeped in the wash-rinse-repeat cycle of minimalism but sexed up considerably with hip-hop rhythms, jazz riffs and imaginative collaboration.” —The Washington Post
(Photo Credit: Philip Campbell)
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