Re: [microsound] Laptop, etc as Performance device

[Craque <craque@xxxxxxxxxx>]

It strikes me that when the lid is up and you cannot see the player, a 
piano is no different than a laptop. An organ performance in a 
cathedral where the console isn't even viewable without turning 
completely around or straining your neck, or the absent presence of 
vocal sources in theatre works or churchsong. There are many historical 
precedents for the problem of acousmatic music.

Meanwhile, the influence of John Cage's work specifically does the 
opposite thing, creating an experience through interpenetration; a 
graying awareness and attention that obscures the performer/source in 
similar ways.

I've witnessed and been part of many 'laptop' performances where the 
quality of performance is very high, and the tools are transparent. At 
the same time, I've seen tables full of gear with stoic performers lost 
in the observation of what they do, replacing their performance 'aura' 
with cheats like visuals. While it's an art form which speaks to social 
situations, the art itself is increasingly individual in presentation 
and performance. Once again the lines between composer and performer 
are blurred, and for that I am grateful!

I think the problem of visibility and quality of performance is much 
older, not initiated by electronic music (acousmatic, laptop, 
whathaveyou), however nicely exacerbated by it. A boring performer is a 
boring performer, it will be very difficult to get the audience to 
adjust to something that has developed through the course of human 
nature; perhaps this is a need for semiotic cues to help interpret an 
event or experience.

matt
craque.net


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