From graphic notation to „abstract visual reference“
In our seminar, we will first look at the development of “abstract visual reference,” which developed from graphic notation. The first graphic notations emerged as early as the 9th century under the name neumes, which were used to interpret Gregorian chant. Graphic notation was particularly used in new and contemporary music. We will look at different forms of graphic notation, including those used by John Cage, György Ligeti, and Karl-Heinz Stockhausen. In an effort to give the performer more room for interpretation, more attention was paid to aleatoricism in composition (from the Latin aleatorius „belonging to the player“, alea „dice, risk, chance“). In music, art, and literature, this is understood in the broadest sense to mean the use of non-systematic operations that lead to an unpredictable, largely random result and offer the performer greater scope for personal interpretation. Thus, the „abstract visual reference“ developed from graphic notation, giving even greater interpretation freedom.
As a starting point for our practical work in the seminar, we will take an example of “abstract visual reference” from the composition “December 1952” by Earle Brown. In the practical part, we will create our own “abstract visual reference” and interpret an “abstract visual reference” made by participants in our seminar.
In one session, we will have an artist as a guest and talk to him about working on an “abstract visual reference” for a current artistic collaboration project.
Art historical phenomena and artists considered:
Neumes.
John Cage: “Water”.
Hans Christof Steiner: “Solitude”.
György Ligeti: “Atmosphères”.
Karl-Heinz Stockhausen: “Gesang der Jünglinge”.
Iannis Xenakis: “Pithoprakta”.
Earle Brown: “December 1952”.
Performance requirements for the ungraded Studium Generale certificate: continuous participation and active involvement in the theoretical considerations, creation of an “abstract visual reference” and a commentary on the work of other participants.
WORKSHOP: Abstract Visual Reference
The project is kindly financed by the Miller-Zillmer Foundation and takes place as part of the SUPERBOOTH.
A special composition technique for a special instrument: In this 2-part practical workshop, we introduce the „abstract visual reference“ and its interpretation with 12 modular synthesizers. The workshop takes place as part of Superbooth 21.
Rüdiger Wenk (Phonoschrank) researches and teaches in the „abstract visual reference“ field at the University of the Arts. He is a noise artist and has been expressing himself through his modular system for about 15 years. Gammon, composed for theater, dance, and film, has been working with the modular synthesizer since 1995 and is in charge of the Modular Synthesizer Ensemble project.
On the first day of the workshop (end of August), Rüdiger Wenk will familiarize you with aspects of „abstract visual reference“ and develop your own first visual composition. The modular synthesizer and the functionality of the modular synthesizer ensemble will be presented by Gammon. The visual composition created is the working basis for the interpretation with the modular synthesizer on the second day of the workshop. (Sept. 18, 2021 Superbooth – FEZ-Berlin / Wuhlheide). As part of the Modular Synthesizer Ensemble project, the participants work independently with 12 modular synthesizers on the interpretation of their composition. Finally, as part of a final performance, we will jointly present the compositions and their interpretation live in an ensemble with the 12 modular synthesizers.
The number of participants is limited to 12 people.The workshop is free of charge. The workshop and the presentation will be documented and possibly also attended by interested journalists. Approval for the publication of photos and videos is a prerequisite for participation.
The workshop as well as the entire Superbooth event will be carried out within the framework of the applicable Covid-19 protective measures. It is in our interest to protect and maintain the health of everyone as best as we possibly can. We will communicate the exact and current provisions on this at short notice.