Home » Electronic Music Blog » Exploring Polymetric Soundscapes with Elke Horner’s “Oktobergrün” and “Wintergrau Insel”

Exploring Polymetric Soundscapes with Elke Horner’s “Oktobergrün” and “Wintergrau Insel”

Elke Horner’s “Oktobergrün” opens with slow string pads, creating a serene and expansive soundscape. As the track progresses, melodic lines weave in, shifting the pulse and adding layers of complexity. A drum rhythm maintains a steady pulse, allowing the groove and focus to evolve naturally. The piece is melodically engaging, with a sense of motion and development that keeps the listener intrigued.

“Wintergrau Insel (Klangkarawane)” by Elke Horner begins with an inviting initial melody that dances around a percussive groove, maintaining a steady pulse. Gradually, layers of synth are introduced, moving in and out of focus to build an intricate web of sound that twists and shapes as it progresses. The result is a rich, dynamic soundscape that captivates and mesmerizes.

Horner explains her approach: “I do polymetric music because I am passionate about the perception of time. I create illusions about time in my music. It’s intended to sound out of time.” As a drummer, Horner intricately intertwines different time layers, playing polymetric music on a metallophone with short tonal motifs. In “Oktobergrün,” the main motif is a sequence of four tones, overlaying 7/8 and 6/8 rhythms structured within a 6/4 time signature. She produces complementary electronic sounds and rhythms to make the time layers more transparent and perceptible.