Places of Yaanga
(2017) for video, saxophone, flute, synthesizer and playable loudspeakers
„Places of Yaanga“ is a cycle of video- and instrumental pieces showing five different locations. They are related to the Native Americans of the Los Angeles bassin.
The pieces deals with questions of memory and ideological charging of places. The music can evoke a specific character. Original (or fake) recordings of the local sounds can amplify certain tendencies. Typical clichés can be triggered (sunrise/sunset). But the musicians can also step back and auraly examine the original recording. A place could be recharged with other, concealed meanings.
„Yaanga“ means „Los Angeles“ in Tongva language. „Topaa'nga“ probably means „a place above“. The language of the native inhabitans of Los Angeles, the Tongva or Gabrieleños, is preserved fragmentary. Efforts are being made to revitalize it. Up to 1700 decendants of the tribe, formerly measuring 5000 still live in Los Angeles today.
I. Topanga Beach / Tongva graveyard
II. Yaanga / L.A. Skyline
III. San Gabriel Mission
IV. Malibu Creek State Park / shooting location “Planet of the Apes”
V. Kuruvungna Springs / Getty Museum
