>> I think it's pretty interesting to watch someone modify a large
> complicated modular synth in realtime to generate new and interesting
> sounds.<
>
> But that's not performing; that's twiddling.
I think your definition of performing involves instruments that play
notes. This probably excludes things like turntablists, trigger
samplers, faders, and knob twiddlers. No offense ment here, but I think
that's a rather limited view of what constitutes a performance. Knob
twiddling and turntablism are about "a sound" and the qualitative value
of a sound. Not notes. This is something that seems to be hard for
people to wrap their heads around, especially the older generation that
didn't grow up with it. To get a real appreciation for this I suggest
trying it. It's a lot harder than it looks....
> I honestly don't mean any disrespect to RR--I just don't get it. Can
> you imagine somebody actually ∗writing∗ and performing 80 minutes of
> music?
Yes, I can. 80 minutes, if you've ever performed live, is a flash in
the pan. You set up a basic structure that binds the set together, and
then you improvise to the crowd and the moment. It's intoxicating.
> It would be a monumental task--like Bach's B Minor Mass or
> something. Why would people travel long distances to hear a sequencer
> go chugga-chugga-thump-thump with a twiddle here and there?
I don't think you will find the answer to that in a news group. If you
truly are interested I suggest finding some electronic acts and see
them play live. i highly recommend the Orb, Dub Tribe, Simon Posford
(in various forms), and the Chemical Brothers. They're all knobs
twiddlers (and some keyboardists) but they can bring the house down.
> I love the recording quality of "Bestiary" (it is so clean you can
> eat off of it) but where's the structure? I just hear a lot of
> amorphous sound effects and droning--and that quickly grows tiresome.
The structure is in the sounds. If you're looking for arp lines, highly
rhythmic structure and chords then this music is probably not for you,
there is plenty to cover that realm. If you can let go of of the
traditional western music structure for a moment and instead think
"music as qualitative sound" you might find whole new realms to
explore. I like bestiary for the same reason I like "Lifeforms" by
Future Sound of London. Because it creates another "world" of sound. I
like hearing new stuff.
> johnm (not making trouble--genuinely confused)
I will forever be fascinated by the short comings of communication via
email. So much is lost with out the vocal and facial expressions.
If you truly are interested in finding out, go exploring. Trying a
concert you wouldn't normally like/enjoy/go to and try to get in the
audiences head. I went to a Suicidal Tendencies concert once.... it
was.... interesting.
^_^
--mikes