Sound Art Samples
Jean-Louis' approach to sound art uses natural and manipulated sounds, musical instruments used in unconventional ways, and varied vocal explorations to create unique and imaginative sound paintings. A video that you see with your ears, allowing the sounds to paint a picture in the mind.
The human ear is the most sensitive of our five senses, far more sensitive than our eyes yet, in spite of this, our eyes dominate our experience of the world. Through his work, Jean-Louis seeks to unlock the imagination using sound building unique acoustic experiences.
Sonya's Lament
Sonya's Lament is a sound exploration of the struggle faced by the character Sonya in the novel "Crime and Punishment". A mournful expression of her place in society and the shame she struggles to reconcile. Huge thanks to Chenelle Roberts for singing the solo in this recording.
Leviathan
Meant to evoke the looming presence of the mythical leviathan, this piece is divided into two sections. The first is an atmospheric journey away from our own sound environment down into a completely different world. The second section begins with a dark silence that is illuminated by streaks of sound, evoking the image of bioluminescent creatures that dart about in the silent abyss. This playful imagery is interrupted by the immense sounds of the leviathan who passes before we return to the silent abyss.
The Sun and the Moon
This story is one in a series of collaborations between Jean-Louis and Inuit artist Laakkuluk Williamson. The goal of this project was to create a unique background track for live story telling performances. This story about the creation of the sun and the moon is sure to shock and surprise. These creation myths are cultural treasures that must be preserved.
Anubis
Anubis, written for piano, is divided into three sections L’Entrée, L’Enfer, and Le Jugement. This work is based upon the mythological journey taken by the dead into the underworld, and their subsequent judgment by the god Anubis. The first of the three sections describes the procession to the gates of the underworld where the deceased would call out to Anubis. An eerie response quickens pace to open the gateway to the underworld. The second section paints a haunting vision of the underworld and the last section describes the final judgment of the heart of the deceased against the weight of the Ma’at, determining the ultimate fate of ones soul.
Selket
Another in a series of pieces inspired by Egyptian mythology, Selket is written for solo flute and piano and like Anubis is divided into three smaller section, Invocation, Vigil, and Incantation. Selket, the goddess called upon to heal the stings and bites inflicted by venomous scorpions and snakes. This work draws heavily upon the sound imagery of such poisonous creatures, and depicts a strange and ancient healing ritual, one in which only the virtuous survive.
The Woman Down There
This wonderful Inuit myth tells the story of the most powerful goddess in Inuit legend, her dominion over the creatures of the sea, and her role in the creation of all peoples.
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