http://www.steim.org/STEIMBLOG/?p=756
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COMPOSING THE NOW 1 on engagement with sonic time through sensors, electronica, loudspeakers and ears Composing electronic music beyond the illusion of control. Composing electronic music on stage in the now, with prepared computers that contain sounds, algorithms hooked up with sensors and the presence of a dedicated audience. Involved performative composing of music with new integrated composition and performance instruments. Illusion of control versus rules of engagement. Algorithmic machine composing nudged and steered by the performing composer. Sound communication instead of sonification of communication. Composing by ear. Composing is meta steering of performance actions. Preparing a performance is not the same as composing, neither is it studying the piece and/or rehearsing; rather it is designing behavior and providing sounds and sound processing tool set ups; it is like preparing an operation; a lot will be known in advance but most of it can be different at the theatre. We will see composers who re-compose their work every time they perform and some who try repeat their performance every time. We will see new performers that act and engage fully bionically merged with their instruments. This is not unlike traditional music instrument practice in a metaphorical sense. Ears: audience Audience response is measurable in many senses Traditional performers hear and include in their performance every move of an audience consciously or unconsciously. In the new performance halls with loud PA systems we could create instruments that augment the situational awareness of the performer. In other words amplify the presence of the audience to have their presence become more integrated in the performance. - Of course playing less loud will probably also be one of the new inventions of the near future. These days I think about: Also designing instruments that allow an engaged audience to participate in the performance. Allowing the audience to seed and control algorithmic music entertainment machines. Providing a circle of handheld gestural instruments so audience members play and play and become performers ! (Michel Waisvisz, 2006) |