C.R. KASPRZYK

EMPAC/Tutschku

June 27th, 2011 // composition, technology

I went to a movie the other day; the speakers were disappointing.

I recently returned from EMPAC in Troy, NY, where I worked on a new, 24-channel work. (I hope to continue work on this piece in the near future, as well as provide a binaural downmix.) Under the guidance of the inimitable Hans Tutschku, I found the experience to be quite transforming. It was wonderful to absorb the massive amount of information offered alongside a great group of participants, including two familiar faces and several new ones. (The Boursier-Mougenot was quite enjoyable during down time.)

The culminating concert was a very satisfying experience. One person greeted the (large) audience, a composer would briefly discuss their work prior to its performance, the audience would applaud and then we would move to the next work. No programs, just the composers and loudspeakers.

While Tutschku proved enlightening, the week yielded something else that remains obvious. EMPAC is clearly one of the best thought-out, most extraordinary facilities available for a beautiful marriage of science and arts. Like the other halls and studios present, the Goodman Studio was perhaps the most ideal setting for the multichannel works. EMPAC is without doubt, one of the most essential venues around; five million cubic feet of incredible.

My thanks to Goebel and those at EMPAC, Tutschku, as well as the organizations and gracious individuals who made this week possible.

In Bowling Green…

May 7th, 2011 // field recordings

For those in Bowling Green:
(headphones highly recommended)

               

Easy habits

April 17th, 2011 // composition, environment

First, everyone should check out Radius. The next two Mondays (i.e. Episode 5) should provide an interesting morning commute. Some of my other recent work (perhaps) takes related ideas further.

Similarly, it seems appropriate, considering past posts, that I properly weigh in on another easy habit to form. While the political debate continues, it remains evident that being less wasteful is an essential item. That said, I wonder why we continue to use the plastic/paper shopping bags provided at stores.

Canvas and similar reusable bags typically can carry much more than the plastic bags on which people may rely. (Why opt for carrying more bags that dig into your hands?) Of course, the only way reusable bags prove worthwhile is to actually reuse them. Many typically forget their reusable bag. Thankfully, there are a number of bags that are compact (and most grocery stores sell bags for a mere dollar). Additionally, I was reusing the plastic bags offered for produce for some time. I now have small bags that are quite suitable for this and other items. There are many ways to handle this.

Regardless of one’s stance on environmentalism, how do we still find the use of disposable bags justifiable? There are many other things that take larger toll on our planet, but why not take small steps that are easily attainable? Our choices make a big difference when multiplied.

Food-ish

March 6th, 2011 // environment, field recordings, food

A few of my recent field recordings were presented at an event hosted by Kinokophone in Manchester. One theme involved in the selection criteria was the recording of food. The follow is an (unedited) recording of two things that hardly provide sustenance (i.e. a carbonated beverage being poured into a glass with carbonated candy).

Music ‘has to…’

February 9th, 2011 // art, composition

Some feel it (apparently) has to be understood upon first listen, include humans in live performance, reference one’s childhood influences, be self-referential, sound good to a large amount of people, be enjoyed even if not in the forefront of one’s attention….

While not unique, the classical music world is quick to criticize others within its genre. It seems that remaining somewhat nondiscriminatory and recalling music as a primarily aural-based art could only help our (contentiously) grave state.

Ice

December 17th, 2010 // composition, field recordings

One semester down. I recently completed a short electronic work (11.20.10) and am currently working on a new piece, [41.5, -83.6]. The work, scored for piano, hydroacoustic sounds, and interactive electronics, explores melting ice and aquatic life in and around Perrysburg, OH. The work’s commissioner, Tom Rosenkranz, will premiere the piece on January 26th. In anticipation of these and other works….