From Philip Sherburne Sent Sun, Jul 18th 1999, 03:16
From Philip Sherburne Sent Sun, Jul 18th 1999, 03:16
While on the topic of 20th Century composers... Someone mentioned Subotnik's Silver Apples of the Moon -- classic (or so I understand), but also a little bloopy for my general-listening tastes. But try to track down his Axolotl lp (Nonesuch, 1980 -- a lot easier to find than Silver Apples, and cheaper). Two tracks: one for cello and "ghost electronics" andone for trombone, piano and ghost electronics. Much subtler, and, to my ears, a little more interesting. The notes on the ghost electronics: "The ghost score consists of two objects: a tape and a small package of electronics. The electronics consist of basic devices: 1. to locate the sound from left to right 2. to alter the frequency of the sound of the instrument up and/or down 100 cycles 3. to control the shape of the amplification The tape contains high frequency audio signals which are not amplified and therefore not heard by the audience but, instead, are sent directly to the electronics and act as controls for the three modifying devices. The electronics have no sound of their own; they can only act upon the sound of the instrument as it plays, hence, a 'ghost' score." And on the Ligeti tip: Look for his choral "Requiem" -- truly music of nightmares.