Relâche Collection ➔ New Music America: 1987: Exhibitions, The Ceramic Ensemble, Pt. 2 of 2

Digital Audio


Event Type
Music
Origin
Relàche
Identifier
NMA.1987.10.09.S4.B
Program Length
37 min
Part
2 of 2
Dates
1987-10-09 | created
Description
The 1987 New Music America Festival was held in Philadelphia during the first two weeks in October. Produced by the local ensemble Relâche, this 10 day extravaganza of adventurous musical programing featured over 20 concerts, lectures, and sound installations.

THE CERAMIC ENSEMBLE PERFORMING WHAT DID YOU SAY? (Brian Ransom)
The Ceramic Ensemble includes: 5 ceramic hooters, 1 nest of hooters, 5 clay drones, ceramic bells, DX 7 synthesizers. The instruments are a set of tuned original musical instruments employing clay as the resonant surface. All music is conceived of by the artist and the instruments are created to suit both the audio and visual requirements of the pieces. What Did You Say? is a highly microtonal piece which makes the audience aware of the physical presence of sound in the performance space. Performed by Emily Phelps, Ceramic ensemble core musician, and members of Relâche.

This work was performed at the Nexus Gallery on October 9, 1987. The recording was provided to Other Minds by Joseph Franklin who directed the 1987 New Music America Festival, and Werner Strobel who digitized the original tape recordings.
Genres
Unconventional instruments
Musical Selections
Whistle Stop (5:25) -- Lullaby (6:02) / Brian Ransom
Performers
Emily Phelps, ocarina
Flossie Ierardi, ocarina, shaker, whistling water jar
Norma Tanega, drums
Brian Ransom, drums
Subjects
Ceramic sculpture
Musical instruments
Microtonal music
Improvisation (Music)