Designing the EP Trio: Instrument Identities, Control and Performance Practice in an Electronic Chamber Music Ensemble

This paper outlines the formation of the Expanded Performance (EP) trio, a chamber ensemble comprised of electric cello with sensor bow, augmented digital percussion, and digital turntable with mixer. Decisions relating to physical set-ups and control capabilities, sonic identities, and mappings of each instrument, as well as their roles within the ensemble, are explored. The contributions of these factors to the design of a coherent, expressive ensemble and its emerging performance practice are considered. The trio proposes solutions to creation, rehearsal and performance issues in ensemble live electronics.