Roberto Carlos Lange - Kite Symphony, Four Variations (2020)

Ballroom Marfa is proud to present 'Kite Symphony, Four Variations' by Roberto Carlos Lange (widely known by his stage moniker, Helado Negro), based on graphic scores created in collaboration with visual artist Kristi Sword.

Guided by Sword’s dynamic and rhythmic graphic notations–visual representations of music through symbols outside the world of traditional music notation–these four music compositions freely explore the lightness of ephemeral moments in the elements, encouraging the listener to meditate on their immediate surroundings.

Lange joined forces with electro-acoustic composer Rob Mazurek, and violist Jeanann Dara, on these pieces using a variety of collaborative sound-making techniques. The new compositions were recorded at Marfa Recording Company while Lange and Sword were in residence in Marfa working on 'Kite Symphony,' a new, non-linear, and impressionistic film, live score, and body of sculptural work that explores the landscape of Chihuahuan Desert through wind, sound, and light. The artists took the opportunity to delve deeper into their collaborative practice and expand their vision of 'Kite Symphony' through this collection of music.

Lange describes the 'Four Variations' as a collection of impressionistic sound pieces and invites the listener to open their ears to the sky, the sound of cacti, and the feeling of the wind on their skin.

Twenty-five percent of proceeds will benefit Texas RioGrande Legal Aid [ www.trla.org ], a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services to low-income residents in southwest Texas.