Eric Byers, cello
Bear McCreary, effects processor

Nebula
This work for solo amplified cello and effects processor was composed under the direction of Erica Muhl in the Spring of 1999. During the compositional phase, I tried to ensure that the digital effects never clouded the melodic and motivic development that occurs throughout the piece.

Nebula, clip 1 Nebula, clip 2

         However, these effects are deeply embedded into the composition. As a result, the effects processor must be operated like a musical instrument. At times, the effects engineer responds to musical cues from the cellist, and at other times, the cellist locks in to signals from the digital effects. The finished product is a blend of accoustic and electronic sound, each element reliant on the other.

Eclectic Tastes and Electronic Effects
by Shannon Mack

Eric Byers, performing Nebula