melodic currents (I)

Michael Pisaro-Liu (2023)

an ongoing collection of realizations in different river environments

Melodic Currents (I) is a work for solo instrument and river landscape, unfolding across six locations connected by walking. Musical fragments are gradually introduced and accumulated, eventually revealing a complete melody.

In this ongoing project, I realize the piece on melodica along different rivers, recording each walk continuously. The resulting recordings document not only the music but also the changing environments through which it passes: footsteps, water, birdsong, wind, and the sounds of human activity.

Each realization offers a different encounter with the piece, exploring the relationships between musical memory, movement, and place.

October 13, 2026 | 6:30am
San Lorenzo River | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
route: south from N Big Trees Park Road to Cable Car Beach (2.1km / 1.3mi)
Sony PCM-D100