Glissonic, an instrument builder in Budapest, makes a new instrument called the glissotar. As part of their loaner program, Samuel Burt will be showing off this sax-like microtonal instrument. The glissotar is shaped like a soprano saxophone, but, instead of keys and holes, it has one long slot. Pitch is controlled by a magnetic ribbon that covers the slot. The instrument is loud and bright, allowing the musician to escape the bounds of discrete pitch steps. It can slide, bounce, chirp, and warble.
Tonight, Samuel Burt will perform his new composition for glissotar, improvise with live electronic accompaniment, and perform in an ensemble. There will be time for show-and-tell, so bring your questions!
Doors at 8pm. Show at 8:30.
Samuel Burt (glissotar) is a composer, clarinet player, electronic musician, and instrument builder. He is an organizer of the High Zero Festival and a curator at the Red Room in Baltimore. He builds saxophones and programs software and synthesizer firmware.
Nate Scheible (percussion, electronics) is a DC-based drummer and improviser playing and recording in bands that span multiple genres. His recent solo work focuses on manipulating magnetic tape, radio waves, and fancy electronics. Nate is a curator of Rhizome in DC.
Liz Mereidth (viola) is a string player, improviser, and composer. Her compositions include songs, graphics scores, and ambient music. She’s premiered many compositions by other composers. She studied with Hunk Dutt of Kronos Quartet and Fred Frith.
