Framework is a series of graphic scores and recordings by Mads Emil Nielsen. Framework 1 consists of 14 hand-drawn graphic scores, printed in risograph, with simple instructions and a recording for each score.
Instructions: these 14 graphic scores may be played by any configuration of instruments and players—the recordings may be of any duration. Some of the scores are linear and may be read from left to right; others are meant as a conceptual inspiration for composition and performance. The balance between these two approaches is to be decided by the interpreter. A circle should be seen as a space, room or atmosphere. A line illustrates direction / time, and possibly a sustained tone. Smaller dots or points may be read as dust, drops, texture or granulation. An incomplete circle or square marked with an arrow signifies a loop / repetition, which consists of certain elements, if notated.
"The internal logic of this is quite specific—in places it reminds me of Gustavo Becerra-Schmidt's sparse Synthi studies, yet considerably more fleshed-out and multi-tracked—Nielsen clearly knows his way around his chosen instrument & the tightly controlled, flitting micro-events that make up each piece's "Orchestra" are extremely well chosen. Nielsen's thought process appears to be at a unique nexus of Cardew-styled pattern-notation experiments & "Live"—or more accurately, "Performed" Electronic Music & this set is definitely one-of-a-kind—plus I haven't seen a hand / home-made edition this thorough since Martijn Hohmann sent over that box of Universaal Kunst editions back in 2010."
K. F. Whitman, Mimaroglu Music
3rd edition (2021).
Mads Emil Nielsen is a musician/composer based in Copenhagen, working with basic sound sources, often combined with short percussive and orchestral samples, real sounds and an amplification of machine produced errors. In 2014 he founded Arbitrary, the label and artistic platform on which he released a series of graphic scores and recordings (Framework) and various solo works and collaborations.
