WORKSHOP
Multichannel Sound Composition
Monday, May 27, 11-16h
Tuesday, May 28, 11-16h
Location: Tamlab, Tabakfabrik
Composer Michael Schumacher has devised the "Portable Multi-Channel Sound System", a unique, "DIY" approach to spatial audio using inexpensive and found materials. The system sets up in less than an hour and can be carried in a single suitcase, yet provides up to 12 fully discrete audio channels.
Schumacher approaches the compositional process with the idea of foregrounding the spatial aspects of sound, putting "new wine" in the "new bottles" of his multichannel system. This means focussing on the results of the spatial transformations of sounds, the filtering process in both its specific and general aspects and choosing sounds and signal processing techniques for their amenableness to localization.
Building on the pioneering work of composers such as Lucier, Amacher, Cage, Young and many others, the workshop will explore the relationship between musical form, architectural and social spaces, and how this relationship can inform listening
---
ARTIST’S TALK - Michael J. Schumacher
Wednesday, May 29, 12:30-14:00
Location: Sonic Lab, Bruckneruni
CONCERT
Michael J. Schumacher - Selections from “Stills” and “Variations”
Wednesday, May 29, 19:30
Location: Sonic Lab, Bruckneruni
This set of pieces applies the idea of musical variation to spatialization techniques. Sounds - sonorities, motifs, phrases - are transformed through placement in a variety of sonorous spaces, which act like filters, emphasizing specific perceptual aspects. In contrast to the classical method there are no clearly stated "themes", but rather a continual process of spatial reorientation.
--
BIOGRAPHY:
Based in Brooklyn, Michael J. Schumacher has innovated in the areas of spatial sound and algorithmic composition since the 1990s, creating multi-channel, generative "Room Pieces" presented in galleries, museums, concert halls, public and private spaces. XI Records has published a DVD of five sound pieces as "apps". “Living Room Pieces” is a generative installation designed for home listening. The "PM-cSS” is a complete 8 channel sound system that fits in a suitcase. His interest in the intersections of musical form, architecture and social spaces led to the founding of "Diapason Sound Art", a gallery devoted to the presentation of multi-channel sound installations, long-duration performances and intermedia artworks.
Schumacher studied music composition with Stanley Applebaum, John Eaton and Vincent Persichetti and piano with Seymour Bernstein and John Ogdon, and has degrees from Indiana University and Juilliard. He also worked with La Monte Young and Milton Babbitt. He has collaborated with choreographers, poets, architects, musicians and filmmakers including Oren Ambarchi, Bruce Andrews, Tom Chiu, Zorica Colic, Charles Curtis, Liz Gerring, Ken Jacobs, Victoria Meyers, Ursula Scherrer, Sally Silvers and Stephen Vitiello.
