Ruben Flores

Estrellita

In 1974, Carl Sagan and Frank Drake sent a message on radio waves to a star in the constellation of Hercules in binary code 'ones' and 'zeros.' The serial scheme has 1679 beats accommodated in 23 x 73. In that message is information of human life on the planet, our location in the solar system, etc. The message would travel 25,000 years to reach its destination. This work is also a message, 73 bars played by 23 flutists. The ASCII code was used in 2 ways: harmonically, moving back and forth between two notes to simulate the ones and zeros, and rhythmically: with a different rhythm to represent both 'one' and 'zero.' The message says: 'Thank you for answering, we believe that knowledge and wisdom with love can change our destiny. We are all one.' The song 'Estrellita' by Manuel M. Ponce is used as a means to send the feeling of longing. The work is radio waves traveling across the frozen space.'