Electronic Music

[mahlerfan]

Where are you writing from, the 19th century? And did you consider for one moment that some of us here have dedicated our lives to "this sort of music"? If you have a problem with it you might think it was worth a question or two, rather than a tiresome dismissal.

I meant nothing against the people who have dedicated their lives to this sort of thing. The immediate question I had, I put. I wouldn't say I have a problem with this sort of music - just wondering how it can get much of an audience, outside of the academic world. I will say that I do like a lot of music that you can't whistle to, I'm not stuck in the 19th century, as you imply.

[RichardB]

just wondering how it can get much of an audience, outside of the academic world

Indeed, and why might you be wondering that?

[mahlerfan]

Indeed there is. I, for instance, have three different masterings of the work on CDs from different labels. However, I don't think Xenakis's works go down too well with Rollo and his like.

I have just checked out the "Brain Discos" version on QOBUZ. Not up to the standard of that in the Karl Records set referred to by RichardB and Joseph K. The Brain Discos transfer lacks much spacial information.

I saw that Brain Discos one but I listened to this one. It's a bit longer.

[mahlerfan]

Indeed, and why might you be wondering that?

Because it seems very interesting intellectually, but I can't see that it would hold much interest for the record buying and concert going public. Clearly someone took the trouble to perform and record it, but I can't see a market for it.

[Mario]

Where are you writing from, the 19th century? And did you consider for one moment that some of us here have dedicated our lives to "this sort of music"? If you have a problem with it you might think it was worth a question or two, rather than a tiresome dismissal.

Ok Richard, I’m game!

You may recall that I’ve said elsewhere that I do not find your music “repellent”, but simply conclude that I don’t understand it, and it must be me.

You must believe me when I say that I’ve tried, I really have tried to move away “from the 19th century”, but have failed miserably.

I guess I could ask you a million questions, but quite simply, apart from just opening my ears, and approaching the whole subject with an open mind, how do I get into this music?

Schoenberg, Webern, Berg? Where do I start, and a daft question perhaps, how do I listen?

Thanks in anticipation,

Mario

[RichardB]

Because it seems very interesting intellectually, but I can't see that it would hold much interest for the record buying and concert going public. Clearly someone took the trouble to perform and record it, but I can't see a market for it.

What does it mean for something to be "very interesting intellectually"? Who are the "record buying and concert going public"? Why should creative musicians be thinking of the "market"?

[mahlerfan]

Ok Richard, I’m game!

You may recall that I’ve said elsewhere that I do not find your music “repellent”, but simply conclude that I don’t understand it, and it must be me.

You must believe me when I say that I’ve tried, I really have tried to move away “from the 19th century”, but have failed miserably.

I guess I could ask you a million questions, but quite simply, apart from just opening my ears, and approaching the whole subject with an open mind, how do I get into this music?

Schoenberg, Webern, Berg? Where do I start, and a daft question perhaps, how do I listen?

Thanks in anticipation,

Mario

I approach music with an open mind and I can't accept the responsibility for music that is unappealing - it's not my fault!

Coincidentally, Schoenberg hasn't been off my turntable this week and I've rekindled my love for his 5 Pieces for Orchestra Op.16

[Joseph K]

Because it seems very interesting intellectually, but I can't see that it would hold much interest for the record buying and concert going public. Clearly someone took the trouble to perform and record it, but I can't see a market for it.

I'm afraid this message is couched in such terms that misrepresent and/or distort how I think about music, and whose priorities are not my own. Firstly, I don't conceive of music as being something capable of interesting the intellect without in some way being of sensuous interest. Secondly, while I don't know who you are of course so I don't know how qualified you are to be a spokesperson of the record buying or concert going public but clearly this is false, and there definitely is an audience for Xenakis's music.

[mahlerfan]

What does it mean for something to be "very interesting intellectually"?

I found the percussion in Orient/Occident fascinating. At first it might appear, random cluttering and noisy, but it is obviously composed. How it captured me was on an intellectual level. And I'm sure it can stand an awful lot of academic examination and explanation, but you can't dance to it or hum along.

Who are the "record buying and concert going public"? Why should creative musicians be thinking of the "market"?

The record buyers and concert-goers is the market. I don't think musicians should give consideration to the market, who else is the music for?

[Joseph K]

Why should creative musicians be thinking of the "market"?

Nail + head.

People who think in terms of markets ought to go get involved in pop music.

[mahlerfan]

...I don't conceive of music as being something capable of interesting the intellect without in some way being of sensuous interest....

I completely agree. But it doesn't always hit the mark.

[mahlerfan]

Nail + head.

People who think in terms of markets ought to go get involved in pop music.

Popular music?

[Bryn]

Though only an abstract, this might offer some insight into the making of the work and its relationship to the rest of Xenakis's oeuvre. http://www.ems-network.org/spip.php?article51

[Mario]

I would never disrespect anyone. I was of course referring to my own open-minded attitude in approaching this music and no one else's. In the meantime...

Could someone help this poor, lost soul and respond to my 425, please?

Mario

[mahlerfan]

Though only an abstract, this might offer some insight into the making of the work and its relationship to the rest of Xenakis's oeuvre. http://www.ems-network.org/spip.php?article51

Thanks Bryn, that's helpful. In fact the short outline regarding Orient-Occident captures exactly what I meant about the cerebral appeal that I experienced - as the piece went on, I realised the percussion was composed, but as the notes say, according to a different musical syntax. Fascinating. Not sure I'd buy a ticket to a performance or a CD, though!