A master in electroacoustic music and digital sound manipulation, English composer Natasha Barrett leaves few traces of familiar sounds or instruments in her music, although the audio sources often are acoustic. Here she performs five of her compositions composed between 1994 and 1997. The album's newest composition, 'Animalcules' is from 2010.
The title Puzzle Wood refers to a forest in Gloucestershire, where Barrett grew up, and also gives name to this album's key track, and oldest composition. The technology available at the time in 1994, did not suffice in creating what Barrett viewed as a representative master. Hence, this is the first time the piece is now available in an edition which brings forth musically important elements lost in the original version.
The term acousmatic sound refers to sound that you hear, but cannot see the origin of. Barrett's intention is that the removal of visual information frees the listener's 'audio-fantasy'. A master in electroacoustic music and digital sound manipulation, Barrett's works are performed all over the world. She has received numerous accolades, among them the Nordic Council Muzic Prize (Nordic countries), the Giga-Hertz Award (Germany) and the Edvard Prize (Norway). Puzzle Wood is her 11th album release. Natasha Barrett has a PhD in composition and is a leading figure in contemporary acousmatic music.
