Re: [microsound] maths science and electronic music

[David Powers <dpowers3@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Well, "GLITCH" for example, to me at least, really does highlight
aesthetic issues rather than just illustrate mathematical concepts. 
This is so, whether or not the composers in this style choose to speak
about it.  I think some of the concepts embedded in this music might
include: 

What is music vs. noise (already an old 20th century idea)?

What does the  "accident" (think Y2K, Chernobyl, power grid failures,
plane crashes) mean, especially in 21st century society, as our
existence is totally mediated by technology?

Who controls our technology, and authorizes what uses should be made of
it?  To what extent are individuals controlled by interfaces and norms
embedded within technologies?  How is technology related to power and
control, both over nature and over other humans?  

What are the consequences of the digital drive for perfect reproduction
(Baudrillard's hyperreality)? 

Can digital technologies resemble "nature" and natural processes if we
push them beyond their intended, controlled uses?  What is the
relationship between digital music and the natural world?  (I think of
mold growing on a CD)

How do musical recordings function as markers of power and codes for
regimenting behavior, and can we sample/alter those recordings to create
alternative musical narratives and different codes?

Just some random possibilities here...

~David

David Powers
Faculty Assistant
DePaul University, School of Education
Department of Leadership in Education, Language, and Human Services
773-325-4806

>>> tadams@xxxxxxxxxxx 04/12/05 05:18PM >>>
I certainly think that aesthetics are grossly overlooked in electronic
music.  When we talk of a piece of music, the technology, the process,
or
the idea always take precedence over the aesthetics.  Sometimes
aesthetics
aren't addressed at all because the composer chooses to focus entirely
upon process or concept.

That said, I don't think that we can speak of aesthetics without
also
discussing the 'scientific' aspects (process, structure, technology)
behind the composition, particularly with electronic music, which is
by
its very definition a hybrid of science and art.

I would be more interested in a discussion on the aesthetics of
electronic
music.  why are aesthetics seldom discussed?  do aesthetic principles
exist for electronic music?  if so, what are they?

-tyler





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