Choke was composed for saxophonist Argeo Ascani for his participation in the 2005 International Guadeamus Interpretor’s Competition. The tape part is composed using a limited palette of samples (primarily pre-recorded saxophone), which are manipulated, transformed and layered to create an evolving textural form. To this is added a secondary palette of live sounds, created by the performer, ranging from multiphonics to growling vocalizations. A film was created for the work by New York based visual artist, Jon Niborg Speier. 



Choke was premiered by Ascani at Greenfield Hall, New York, with subsequent performances at Cooper Union, Manhattan School of Music and The Mohawk The revised version, for bass clarinet, was premiered by Patrick O'Keefe at the SEAMUS Conference 2006, where it was awarded Second Prize in the SEAMUS/ASCAP Commission Competition.



In 2012, Tzadik Records released a full album of my music, titled Blue Moth, that showcases a diverse range of electroacoustic chamber music, including Choke.



— Anna Clyne