Future Now
The IFTF Blog
Musical Instruments of the Future at Swissnex
Ever wished that your cello's bow was bluetooth-enabled? Wondering why your guitar doesn't have a USB out port?
Barry Threw and Gil Carnal have been working on issues like these for years and, along with guitarist Mesut Ösgen, will be presenting—and performing—on their modified instruments at an event hosted by Swissnex, "the Swiss knowledge network," next Friday, 10/20 in San Francisco.
From the original post,
As Barry puts it, "Over the years, the development of new technology has been a primary driving influence in the creation of new artistic forms and movements. During the Baroque period, an influx of new instruments created an outpouring of new musical styles that continue to influence music to this day. However, the contemporary classical performing arts world continues to exist primarily by performing centuries old works using even older instruments, even in our era of abundant computer technology. At the same time, electronic composers exploring new forms are often relegated to presenting pre-recorded ‘tape’ music. With no way to re-perform electronic works with multiple musicians, the new music of today lacks the interpretive performance culture that has made music such a rich medium for interaction. How do we close this gap between the virtuoso performer and the near infinite possibilities of the computer? Is ‘remix’ our era's best answer to a contemporary musical genre?"