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Listening report – Pauline Oliveros

 Prof. Dr. Herzogenrath

The Future of Avantgarde-Music

Blaha, Malte C.

Matrikelnummer 7509502

 

Listening report – Pauline Oliveros

First of all, I have the following to say about the piece With Goddard in the Dan Harpole Cistern: This is one of those “songs” or “musical pieces” where I have no idea what in the hell is actually going on. I guess there was the thought to create music out of the “moving space” but the moving space is not something like in the Poet Electronique, it is rather to the extent of people climbing a ladder up and down while singing. This does not only change the reverberant sound, but the sound in general, as it is constantly forced to move -in the way of reflecting against the walls, and additionally with the moving of the singing person itself.

While listening to it, I experienced some sort of consciousness that was able to demonstrate the power of sound. There are rather unconventional instruments -but only if you call them instruments. Otherwise, it seems that there are no instruments at all, but enough sound, vibrants, and reflecting notes to create a piece mastered by only the human expression. The sounds create a rich atmosphere that is not limited by traditional musical structures. Its is an intricate and expansive sound. It sort of creates a new sonic language that reflects the complexity and richness of the human voice. Despite the experimental nature of Oliveros music, I would not state that it is inaccessible. It seem to be the very contrary: there is a profound sense of empathy and inclusivity that is hearable through the high notes of the human voice. To the extent of my understanding, Oliveros created a space for listening and exploration that transcends traditional boundaries. 
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