The End Product of Project 3

I am amazed at how the end product of project 3 turned out. It turned out the way I had imagined it would turn out. It sort of takes the minimalist approach in the creation of art. My theme is Sound, Space and Universal Rhythm. There is rhythm in all aspects of life, from humans to animals to technological creations.

For the project I took a few seconds of the opening sequence of Alicia Key's song - Trying Sleeping with a Broken heart. It was by chance that it sounded like a train rhythmically beating throughout the song. In addition, it incorporated a sort of droning sound. I repeated that beat for the span of 5 minutes.

I also used the G note of the guitar. I strummed the G string only once. It sort of sounded like the dinging of a church bell. I layered the G note repeatedly throughout the beat of Alicia Key's.

I then went to Old Mill station and drove the car under the train bridge and recorded the sound of the train beating on the tracks. I layered those sounds over the beat and G note.

You sort of get this unifying element of all 3 layers to make a sort of psychological sound track. You imagine yourself siting in a train and the strumming of the G note acts like a ticking clock.

I feel that the theory of noise pollution does not take into account culture and the pre-determined roles and ideas of society (pre-conceived notions).

With this project, I emphasized the rhythmic and musical elements of a beating train. It defies the conventional ideologies of what music truly is, the ideas of pleasantness.

Project 3 Works

I really enjoyed listening to Mary Wood's, Afraid of the Dark. I liked hearing the unusual sounds. The basement is a place that contains natural music. The most creative works can be simplistic, the placing of a mere recorder in the basement. I could imagine a spooky movie with this as the soundtrack.

More Information about Sound Artists

Steve Reich is a pioneer of minimalist music, which incorporates the use of repetitive sounds and slow harmonic rhythms.

Music for 18 Musicians - A fascinating composition in the use of minimalism. The repetitive use of just a few notes, from pianos to cellos to violins etc. This composition is quite soothing to listen to.

South Bank Show - Steve Reich invented the technique called "Phasing", which consists of two melodic patterns that fall out of sync. It has now become a fully fledged composing style.

Ideas for Project 3

I decided to focus on the rhythmic aspects of sound such as beats, musical instruments (i.e guitar), and everyday technological instruments. I was thinking of layering these ideas on top of each other to create a rhythmic and interesting piece.

For the written portion, I want to discuss noise pollution, sound scape, and rhythmic elements in everyday life. I want to discuss the social and cultural influences of sound and noise, the psychological aspects that I have determined over the course of the fall term.

I am unable to play the guitar because I never really tried. However, the wonderful audacity will allow me to edit the guitar sounds to create a rhythmic piece. I have been inspired by Tony Conrad. By strumming one note, I can create something interesting.

As for everyday industrial sounds, I am thinking about trains and drills. Let us see how it goes.

IMPORTANT *****A question to ponder: When a train moves along the tracks accompanied by music, do people interpret the sounds of the train and tracks as part of the soundtrack. Or do they see them as separate entities, music on one side and train on the other. ******* IMPORTANT

Breaking glass just popped into my head.

Notes For November 18th

Presentation: Iannis Xenakis

To make music means to express human intelligence by sonic means. What does sonic mean? (of speed) having or caused by speed approximately equal to that of sound in air at sea level; "a sonic boom", relating to audible sound; "a sonic wave"; "Of pertaining to sound or sound waves, esp. within the audible range."

Studied with Messiaen.

Xenakis felt that there was a rational point to music making.

Metastaseis (1953-4) - An orchestral work for 61 musicians. He was inspired by Einstein's view of time, the sounds of warfare, mathematical ideas by Le Corbusier.

Messiaen also brought attention to non-retrogradable rhythm. "In music or music theory, a non-retrogradable rhythm is a pattern of note durations that is read or performed the same either forwards or backwards, ie. it is a rhythmic palindrome."

"Orient - Occident - for two track tape and two loudspeakers" (1960).

Pro-technology - utilization of computers in music.

UPIC - Unite Polyagogique Informatique du Cemamo - computerized musical tool that allows scribbles or drawings to turn into intricate sound or music. Wonderful - by far my favourite - like a child at a candy shop.

Mycenae Alpha (1978)

The computerized technology was developed by Xenakis himself that involves vectors.

I understand that mathematics play an important role in creating intricate pieces. However, I am unable to concentrate in calculus. Would I be able to survive in the sound creation industry without the use of mathematics, knowing quite well that it is a universal language? Questions, questions and more questions.

Tony Conrad Presentation

Tony Conrad's concern lies in the relationship between the spectator and the space( I.e the film, Flicker). To fully understand his work, one must actually be in the space (psychological impact).

The Theatre of Eternal Music played continuously for hours at a time. This involves a lot of stamina and does not only push the limits of the audience, but of the performer as well. It is a psychological (mental) battle - pushing the limits of one's own self . The artist, Michael Snow also participated in such activities.

I really enjoyed watching Ten Years Alive on the Infinite Plain and Unprojectable: Projection and Perspective. During the presentation, I would have preferred them to be louder. I found it interesting that people covered their ears when listening to his performances.

I also found myself inspired by this droning method that Tony Conrad helped pioneer. I might try this minimalist or droning perspective for my third project.

Thoughts that made me question: What is more psychologically effective as in grabbing a hold of one's mind? The use of one sense such as hearing or seeing or the combination of both senses?