C.R. KASPRZYK

~ 59.53 Hz

// August 22nd, 2010 // field recordings

Everything is amazing

// August 15th, 2010 // technology

I suppose I’ll contradict myself here. I’m becoming oriented for my doctoral studies tomorrow. Much of my teaching/studying will focus upon the incorporation of digital media in a musical setting (and be theoretically good). I don’t have everything on my shopping list just yet, but there is much at my disposal with this opportunity and I look forward to studies with my mentor. In the midst of a semester, it’s probably best for me not to complain about music notation software or other things that we expect (but really are major conveniences). Technology has come a long way. Our concerti involving mobile devices have become a little more sophisticated (this is true of toothbrushes as well) and there are many great companies creating standard software to do impressive things.

So in this world where we can make t-shirts out of old plastic bottles, try our hand at expressionistic painting, and cassettes are just good for breaking apart to use the tape as a bow for various string instruments, why not be smart about things, stop video chatting while operating a gasoline powered vehicle and drinking from a disposable cup, and take a moment to unplug electrical items that aren’t being used and see how else one can not be wasteful? There is much at our disposal and everything is amazing.

Music at Main

// August 10th, 2010 // saxophone

I recently performed on the Music at Main concert series at the Cleveland Public Library. (While others feel differently, Cleveland is alright…but I’m still a fan of Baltimore). I admit preparing for events like this in recent time has posed some worries on my behalf, having many odds (other than now living over two hours from Cleveland) against me. Despite concerns with tone and reeds, I “expertly portrayed” [the works] with “musical flair” (Clevelandclassical.com). It was great to perform with the (evolving) group again, particularly John, who proved incredibly helpful and supportive during my Cleveland stint. I’m always thankful for performances like these but do look forward to what’s next as I pursue a better execution of my composition-classical saxophone-phonography-electronics-free improv-environmentally concerned-etc.-hat.

The series’ curator, Michael Dalby, brings a number of musicians in to perform in a setting that would not normally be used for musical events. While this leaves one with little surprise when a random gentlemen walks in front of you during a concert, as was the case, the benefits of the series are plentiful and should be revered. Dalby’s enthusiasm and commitment also yielded audio and video made available in an amazingly quick fashion. If only everyone worked as efficiently…!

E. Grieg, Aus Holberg’s Zeit, mvmt. 1

The space itself is quite beautiful and offered extremely reverberant acoustics (as I should have anticipated). Those reading in the library that day were offered a different performance acoustically, depending on the floor on which they sat. I couldn’t help but notice features of the sound that followed ours.

J. Perrine, Vonnegut, mvmt 5, Man Without a Country followed by the a closer look at the library’s acoustics