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?

Notes for November 4th, 2009

Presentation: Tasman Richardson

His work corresponds with the rise of MTV, the emergence of commercialization and VHS cassettes. His desire lays in the deconstruction of sound. Richardson's work can be divided into two phases, his earlier and later compositions. They combine aural and visual landscapes.

Mediation:

There is a close circuit between sound and vision - No outside influence. The audience is bombarded with image and sound oversaturation. In addition, there is an influence of channel flipping,

Richardson reverses the relationship between sound and image. In hollywood, images are a predominant factor. Normally sound is part of the background. In Richardson's compositions, sound is the predominant factor.

"I stole the soul of Rock & Roll"

Involves the obstruction of sound, appropriation of video and the distortion of images. Over mediation.

"The Game" - My favourite piece.

Highly oversaturated. Consists of artificial sound. Our ideas of war are constructed by movies. "The construction of sound." Sound plays an important role in the assimilation of an image.

The AVANT-GARDE - involves experimentation, discontinuity over continuity, unconventional over conventional.

His excess of oversaturating oversaturation falls into the avant-garde mode. In order to get a message across, he is taking it to the next level through extreme oversaturation. I prefer extremities.

Project 2 Ideas

I was thinking about noise pollution and the idea that certain prolonged exposure to technical or artificial sound can be psychologically and physically damaging. I want to figure out the accuracy of this theory, since I work at a photo lab, which consists of various technological sounds. For my first project, I tried to capture the sounds of my work environment.

I am also thinking about the meaning of soundscape. The imposition of man-made or animal sounds on sounds of nature. For my second project, I will probably create a composition that involves both artificial and natural sound.

EDT:

I created a composition that involves wind, airplane, car and traffic sound. The first layer consists of only wind. For the second layer, I combined sounds of airplanes and cars. I have to admit this makes for an interesting war zone like piece.

EDT:

I do believe that noise pollution is a socially constructed theory. People are culturally trained to think that certain noises are annoying, too loud or irritating. I realized that if you already have pre-conceived notions about certain sounds, you will end up covering your ears or turning away.

For example, I had pre-conceived thoughts about being nervous during the presentation. When I presented, I was definitely nervous.