Format: installation
Summary:
Produce an audio-visual installation reflecting the development and final product of a non-ensemble musical performance. Physical metaphors and audio mixes will represent the performer, audience, and their state of mind.
Creative Problem:
In most cases the audience only gets to see the final product of a performance. I want to show the viewer of this art piece the struggle and preparation of a (musician) performer. The accumulation of practice and state of mind, along with every other musical experience the person has had, influences the way they play.
Description:
Before a tall dark box structure is a music stand, with a speaker sitting on it. It will play various concert quality music of solos or duets.
The rear structure is a seven foot tall black box with a curtain front. The curtain will be slightly open and playing sounds from within, to invite the viewer.
Upon entering the box the viewer will be surrounded by sheet music suspended at various above-waist heights, and attached to the walls of the box. Some music sheets will be scattered on the floor.
There will be a noticeable space in the centre of the box for the viewer to stand. Illumination will be supplied by dim string lights. speakers in the corners of the box will play a mix of layered music clips, conversations relating to music, and inner thoughts of a single practicing musician.
The aim is to create a sense of disorientation and dismay. The viewer has the option of closing the curtain and being enveloped in this environment/atmosphere.
Materials:
2"x4" planks, 7ft and 4ft
3 flat boards, 7x4
1 flat board, 4x4
nails/screws
black paint
black curtain
"holiday" string lights, white/yellow
2 black music stands
2 + round speakers
2 + mp3 players
black string
glue/tape
thumb tacks
Tara I'm so excited to see the final product! I forgot what I wrote the first time I posted a suggestion, it didn't go through because of the stupid internet connections at school! Anyways, you said that you wanted to viewer to see how the musician prepares for a performance. Does that include how the musician is writing the piece itself? Or does it begin with the practicing of the piece that has already been created? I think it would be cool to hear the person writing the music itself. You could include scribbling on paper, sighs and grunts to show the frustrating of writing music and maybe even crumpling up sheet music. Will the thoughts be in a timeline, where in the end it just plays the final piece?
ReplyDeleteTara,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of trying to capture the musicians thought process, as he struggles creatively, to pull together his piece. Considering that there is effort and frustration in anything we do creatively, i think it could be advantageous the viewer to witness the softer side of the musician as they create, sharing his personal motivation and enthusiasm for selecting a musical theme? I love the scribbling sounds made audible as mentioned above. What if you tried capturing the sounds of the musician humming a few notes to himself which in turn could reflect on his own state of mind? What personal joy or turmoil is the musician trying to express? I think you have a great idea going.
Awesome idea! I love the fact that you're focussing on the thought process of the musician. Were you going to include recordings of the music as it was being composed/practiced and in a more rough state as well? It might be beneficial to hear that part of the process.
ReplyDelete-Greta
This is fantastic! I love the presentation of the large box, to really let the viewer immerse themselves in the pre-performance process. Plus it's also sort of punny, that it references the term, wood shedding, which often means to practice. I also like that you are primarily using sound to express the themes in this installation, as the piece is discussing music after all. I think it is important to have chairs set up in front of the music stand so that the audience has the chance to just sit and hear the performance. This way when they realize how much more interesting the pre-process box is than the show itself, the next time they are sitting in the audience they will relate the experience to your piece.
ReplyDeleteI know when I'm practicing, the metronome plays an important role, and the repetitive beating eventually becomes hypnotic. You may not want it going through the entire piece, but having the underlying pulse, and frequently changing tempo might really add to the listeners feeling of uneasiness in the practice room. It also seems to almost synchronize with one's heart beat after a while, so I think having it continue throughout the show would help to unify the other audio elements you mix in. Also, as a symbol for practice, the metronome would establish to the viewer that the practice never stops, musicians are constantly trying to find time to practice and improve.
Good luck, this sounds brilliant!
-Nik
This sounds creative, and I like the fact that it is life size and interactive. Were you going to have the musical compositions done by artists you know specifically for this project or are you going to use pre-recorded peices that you like? So this box is actually able to have a viewer step in and get caught up in the mix and mingle of an artists head? I think that is very creative and I cant wait to get to go inside the end project!
ReplyDeleteTara,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing. I very excited to try it out. Anyways what kind of music will you be using, more modern or maybe from the past centuries? I think it would be cool to incorporate both. Maybe the front one on the stand could be more calming classical music to calma dn intrigue the viewer in and then once they step inside it could be a little louder and maybe more booming and powerful. Sounds good thought Tara!
Tara,
ReplyDeleteI love your project idea. It's very creative and although I don't know you too well, I think suits you. I know that you perform music and I can only imagine how much preperation must go in to it, mentally and musically. I'm not sure if this is correct, but it seems by the way that you have described this project that preparing for a musical performance is somewhat stressful. With all the things that will be going on in the box representing what goes on in a musician's head before a performance, seems to me that it's a bit overwhelming at times. Is that what you are trying to portray?
The variety of different things that will go into the box I think will greatly impact the viewer. I think the more things you put in ther will let your viewers see just how much goes into a musical performance.
I love this and I can't wait till it's finished!
Good luck :)