Speed creates pure objects. It is itself a pure object, since it cancels out the ground and territorial reference points, since it runs ahead of time to annul time itself, since it moves more quickly than its own cause and obliterates that cause by outstripping it. Speed is the triumph of effect over cause, the triumph of instantaneity over time as depth, the triumph of the surface and pure objectality over the profundity of desire. Speed creates a space of initiation which may be lethal; its only rule is to leave no trace behind. Triumph of forgetting over memory, an uncultivated amnesic intoxication.

The tape portion of Physics of Seduction. Invocation #2 was realized at the composer’s studio in 1991. It was commissioned by Vivienne Spiteri with assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA). The work was premiered by Vivienne Spiteri on August 1, 1992 at the NEMO festival in Aarhus (Denmark). Physics of Seduction. Invocation #2 was recorded by Vivienne Spiteri for the compact disc comme si l’hydrogène… the desert speaks on J&W Records (J&W 931).

Premiere

• August 1, 1992, Vivienne Spiteri, harpsichord • NEMO, Aarhus (Denmark)