Innovation in Musical Instruments: 30 Oct 2009, 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
via Swissnex:
From the classical guitar to abstract, digital era sounds, Gil Carnal and Barry Threw present their respective innovations to musical instruments: refinements to physical design and digital extensions to performance.
Gil Carnal, a Swiss guitar designer based in California, who for thirty years has been working on designs for classical guitars, is an expert at coming up with shapes and materials that enhance movement and touch while also upping the ante on how instruments sound. For his presentation at swissnex San Francisco, Gil extended an invitation to perform to Mesut Özgen, a classical guitarist of the highest caliber and a long-time user of Carnal’s forward-looking designs.
An important presence at the forefront of musical technology and digital culture, Barry Threw tackles the question of how to relate the traditions of musical performance and seemingly abstract, computer-based musical creations. He’ll present two products that go a long way towards overcoming the disconnect: the K-Bow (pictured above) and the StringPort, both designed for performative use with classical violins.
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?”
