The virtue and force of every sublime sound elevates consciousness.
The sounds of life are music, to those who will listen, and hear.
Ambimusica.com
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Aural Synthesis
It is possible to manipulate sound as a creative individual would the various art media.
One might suggest, in a simplistic way, that it is possible to create a sound composition in the manner of an Impressionist, or in any form related to methods utilized in visual arts. This obviously demands a working knowledge of art, stylistic methods, and the production of sound. Yet, unlike the classical Tone Poem, such compositions need not be dependent upon most elements of music, particularly the "popular" elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and so forth. Nor is it necessary that these pieces be Minimalist in nature or adhere to any type of Ambient style.
I choose to compose representations of sounds as they occur "in the wild", using an aural palette.
Ambimusica.com
Thursday, December 29, 2016
The Divergent Ear
Music "as we know it" serves myriad purposes.
Among these purposes are entertainment, diversion, emotional reinforcement, dance, and aesthetic pleasure, that is to say, listening enjoyment, whether by simple or refined appreciation of the art of music and the technical skill with which it is composed, arranged, and performed.
I count myself among those privileged to have attended performances by an astonishing array of artists in virtually every musical genre; in a number of cases I have worked and performed with these artists, who I admire and respect to this day, and they all, to one degree or another, have impacted my own work.
Yet I hear differently, and what I hear, and work to express, is not "music as we know it".
Among these purposes are entertainment, diversion, emotional reinforcement, dance, and aesthetic pleasure, that is to say, listening enjoyment, whether by simple or refined appreciation of the art of music and the technical skill with which it is composed, arranged, and performed.
I count myself among those privileged to have attended performances by an astonishing array of artists in virtually every musical genre; in a number of cases I have worked and performed with these artists, who I admire and respect to this day, and they all, to one degree or another, have impacted my own work.
Yet I hear differently, and what I hear, and work to express, is not "music as we know it".
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Resolution for a Problematic Music
Observe a surfeit of information yielding little in the way of what might be called enlightenment.
One proceeds with awareness and intent, not subject to the idea that "such and such a thing has been done before". As these notes demonstrate, there are ways and means to look beyond "the given".
Needed is a conclusive synthesis and assessment of these concepts, falling, as they do, outside common musical limits, that illuminates the resulting form of aesthetic sound art, its purposes, methods, and effects.
One proceeds with awareness and intent, not subject to the idea that "such and such a thing has been done before". As these notes demonstrate, there are ways and means to look beyond "the given".
Needed is a conclusive synthesis and assessment of these concepts, falling, as they do, outside common musical limits, that illuminates the resulting form of aesthetic sound art, its purposes, methods, and effects.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Vision and Risk
With authentic change, unexpected opportunities arise.
Those capable of expressing these cultural phenomena will be the first to recognize and realize them.
Ambimusica.com
Monday, December 26, 2016
Being and Art
Perceptive observation elevates expression.
Balance the personal in terms of the objective. Subjective emotion is an obstacle, not an end.
Ambimusica.com
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Still Light
Time Past and Time Future meet in Time Present.
The argument that those who value history are "nostalgic for a past that never existed" has never been valid. Appreciation for art, artifact, and the arc of events in time is an understanding of connectivity with humanity that ideological suppression can neither erase nor replicate with materialist cant.
The argument that those who value history are "nostalgic for a past that never existed" has never been valid. Appreciation for art, artifact, and the arc of events in time is an understanding of connectivity with humanity that ideological suppression can neither erase nor replicate with materialist cant.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Changing Landscape
Authentic expression exists regardless of circumstances and conditions.
This holds true for every form of art. When these representations of the reality of the human condition are repressed, culture is set back decades or longer.
Yet, always, the central reality remains, and will ultimately be revealed.
This holds true for every form of art. When these representations of the reality of the human condition are repressed, culture is set back decades or longer.
Yet, always, the central reality remains, and will ultimately be revealed.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Light in the Wasteland
When the artist brings fire, the risk is great.
With fire comes illumination, danger, expansion of perception, and elevated consciousness.
No totalitarian culture tolerates these, because oppression cannot withstand their force.
With fire comes illumination, danger, expansion of perception, and elevated consciousness.
No totalitarian culture tolerates these, because oppression cannot withstand their force.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Look, Listen, Go
Certainly it is possible to be "ahead" of the culture at large. Far, far ahead.
There is no consolation in the fact that one may realize the significance and potential value of cultural developments long before they impact society generally. This is, in point of fact, the authentic nature of the avant-garde, regardless of the myriad ways in which that term is abused. Such foresight is of interest only to those in possession of it.
What is essential is to recognize, and act decisively upon, each and every opportunity to make the envisioned future become present in real time.
Ambimusica.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Misdirection
Do not fail to distinguish art from propaganda. To do so is ignorant, and infantile.
Self expression reflects personal perspective, not collectivist culture and ideology.
Self expression reflects personal perspective, not collectivist culture and ideology.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Defiance
Nuanced expressions reveal sharp contrasts between factual and specious perspectives.
Visual and sound arts convey some things that can only be communicated indirectly through language, particularly in conditions corrupted by cultural ideologies.
Visual and sound arts convey some things that can only be communicated indirectly through language, particularly in conditions corrupted by cultural ideologies.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Implosion
The arts reflect society when they develop without interference.
Once the arts are appropriated for social engineering purposes in the service of political ideologies, even the most puerile of the popular arts are ineffectual as mirrors of the human condition.
In the final analysis they become impotent, execrable parodies of their original forms of individual expression, distinctive merit and innovation are no longer recognized, and this is the state of things.
Ambimusica.com
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Arc of Idea and Action
Meaning implies continuity.
Left unresolved, chance and accident provide little in the way of significance.
When intent and purpose impels action, freedom of will has profound influence in determining the outcome of events, regardless of the vicissitudes of circumstance.
It should not be forgotten that this applies even to nuanced artistic gesture, as it contributes to the progress, and ultimately, to the total effect of finished works.
Ambimusica.com
Friday, December 16, 2016
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Some Will Understand, Others Will Not
Bring the uncanny into expression. It is a tall order, yet it can be done.
The beginning is abstract, that is to say, theoretical. This vision must comport with the possibility of perceptual reality that may be rendered in concrete form. For the composer, this acknowledges the fact that sounds must be transformed and synthesized to evoke extramundane experience, and then juxtaposed and reproduced in aesthetic contexts unrelated to designs generally attributed to music, while being accessible within the sphere of art.
What the mind conceives, the hand may render. Listen, and hear.
The beginning is abstract, that is to say, theoretical. This vision must comport with the possibility of perceptual reality that may be rendered in concrete form. For the composer, this acknowledges the fact that sounds must be transformed and synthesized to evoke extramundane experience, and then juxtaposed and reproduced in aesthetic contexts unrelated to designs generally attributed to music, while being accessible within the sphere of art.
What the mind conceives, the hand may render. Listen, and hear.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Something Missing
Among many things, culture reflects the common aspirations of a social group.
Without cohesion, there is only decay, and no government of any value can provide this. It is found in the vision of the artist, in authentic expression, and in the traditions and rituals of community.
Ambimusica.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Singularity of Form and Content
Ubiquity and saturation have reduced all media to a nugatory state.
Feigned interest is the rule of the day. One can no longer say, such and such a thing is "marvellous", or "unique", Availability and repetition renders even the finest forms commonplace, mundane, and, to some extent, regardless of quality, banal.
Those seeking authentic representations of experience must discover expression that is sui generis, uncanny, unexpectedly original, and transformational. One must go far beyond externals to do so.
Feigned interest is the rule of the day. One can no longer say, such and such a thing is "marvellous", or "unique", Availability and repetition renders even the finest forms commonplace, mundane, and, to some extent, regardless of quality, banal.
Those seeking authentic representations of experience must discover expression that is sui generis, uncanny, unexpectedly original, and transformational. One must go far beyond externals to do so.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Implications
Cultural variables directly impact perspective and expression in varying degrees.
It is worth noting that some cultural groups are interested in a broad spectrum of experience, while others are conditioned to respond to extremely limited sets of expectations.
It is worth noting that some cultural groups are interested in a broad spectrum of experience, while others are conditioned to respond to extremely limited sets of expectations.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Light of Reason
Fundamentally, one must discriminate between reality and the mere appearance of reality.
Critical discernment of this nature informs all experience, from perception to expression.
Critical discernment of this nature informs all experience, from perception to expression.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Near Distances
Where the commonplace ends, risk begins.
Discover the unseen, and find sounds unheard.
Ambimusica.com
Friday, December 09, 2016
Illuminate
As the eye is opened, so the ear is filled, expanding awareness.
To drive perceptual acuity down to narrow limits is absurd. One sees the world, listens, and hears, beyond the contexts of art and music.
This is elevation, of aesthetic insight and individual consciousness.
To drive perceptual acuity down to narrow limits is absurd. One sees the world, listens, and hears, beyond the contexts of art and music.
This is elevation, of aesthetic insight and individual consciousness.
Thursday, December 08, 2016
Perspective Shift
Observe any environment carefully.
Detailed observation reveals that elements of the environment may be seen as both separate and unified forms. With care, sounds may be composed and presented in ways that may be perceived in like manner, as opposed to methods utilizing the common aspects of musical composition and production.
Ambimusica.com
Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Soul Sacrifice
If one is an artist, one gives of oneself.
This is the force and the risk of art. It is expression, and it is being.
Ambimusica.com
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Great Doubt
Instinct, intellect, and intent motivate artist and listener.
Conformity, complacency, and consumerism motivate audiences. But this is a general rule, and an observation that is dynamic in scope. Artist and listener remain unmoved, and undeterred in the search for the creative fire that alters reality and culture.
Ambimusica.com
Monday, December 05, 2016
Fortunes, and Reversals
The arts are not simply Reformed, as are institutions, from without or within.
Visions are conceived, old orders collapse, and culture is broadened and elevated by expressions both unexpected and unheralded. Often this arrives at the end of any prolonged and implacable oppression, and, as is so often said, nothing is ever the same again.
Visions are conceived, old orders collapse, and culture is broadened and elevated by expressions both unexpected and unheralded. Often this arrives at the end of any prolonged and implacable oppression, and, as is so often said, nothing is ever the same again.
Sunday, December 04, 2016
The Real and the Good
It is clear to most that appearances are not always as they seem.
Nonetheless, in terms of culture and the arts, this should be the exception, and not the rule.
A free society is one in which individuals of good will can communicate honestly and act to mutual benefit without being burdened by duplicity and avarice. The artist who understands this will not fail to act with integrity, and it will be reflected in the artist's work as a true sign of merit, since it is, in many ways. a revolutionary expression against the falsity of the age.
Nonetheless, in terms of culture and the arts, this should be the exception, and not the rule.
A free society is one in which individuals of good will can communicate honestly and act to mutual benefit without being burdened by duplicity and avarice. The artist who understands this will not fail to act with integrity, and it will be reflected in the artist's work as a true sign of merit, since it is, in many ways. a revolutionary expression against the falsity of the age.
Saturday, December 03, 2016
Greater Lengths
Cultural observations are, as often as not, personal matters.
Formal analysis of these issues is of no concern to anyone but the artist. The academician regards them disdainfully, the lay person has no interest whatsoever, and the active music listener exhibits little more than subjective, emotional connectivity to the arts of sound. Such things as aesthetic value and purpose are outside these areas of bias.
This is natural. It is the artist as composer for whom these cultural forces determine the existential necessity for sustained effort.
Formal analysis of these issues is of no concern to anyone but the artist. The academician regards them disdainfully, the lay person has no interest whatsoever, and the active music listener exhibits little more than subjective, emotional connectivity to the arts of sound. Such things as aesthetic value and purpose are outside these areas of bias.
This is natural. It is the artist as composer for whom these cultural forces determine the existential necessity for sustained effort.
Friday, December 02, 2016
Silencing, and Open Secrets
Expression in every form is subject to the scrutiny of the thinking individual.
It will be observed immediately that expression has been compromised by the collectivist attitudes of loosely associated cultural groups. Further investigation will reveal the extent to which this has been the status quo among ideologues in academia, media, politics, business, and industry for over a century, as it has been plainly visible.
The scenario ostensibly exists to repress individual expression as undesirable in the context of what is viewed, in collectivist quarters, as the "greater good". In point of fact, it is nothing more or less than a means to seize and retain power by controlling cultural narratives, economic activities, and, to the extent possible, social order.
Whenever there is a rebirth of cultural expression, it is the work of individuals, acting autonomously and yet united in vision. Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno.
It will be observed immediately that expression has been compromised by the collectivist attitudes of loosely associated cultural groups. Further investigation will reveal the extent to which this has been the status quo among ideologues in academia, media, politics, business, and industry for over a century, as it has been plainly visible.
The scenario ostensibly exists to repress individual expression as undesirable in the context of what is viewed, in collectivist quarters, as the "greater good". In point of fact, it is nothing more or less than a means to seize and retain power by controlling cultural narratives, economic activities, and, to the extent possible, social order.
Whenever there is a rebirth of cultural expression, it is the work of individuals, acting autonomously and yet united in vision. Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno.
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Be or Seem
Perceptions do not lie. They must be rightly directed and interpreted.
The issue is not one of self-awareness or self-knowledge, but rather of the capacity to distinguish appearance from reality. Clarity does not require guidance; thus it is highly prized.
Ambimusica.com
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
A Half Century of Artistic Suicide
Greed is a reason, but never a justification, for suppression of cultural expression.
When artists and commercial interests conspire to create propaganda, the lights go out, and the outcome has been the ultimate failure and utter destruction of the music industry.
Ambimusica.com
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Fiat Lux
Human reality evolves culture.
Falsity is anathema to human reality. The false narrative will not substitute for culture any more than political ideologies can substitute for intellectual acumen. The sole effect is one of apathy, resulting in the demand for authenticity.
With the inevitable failure and collapse of the superficial and mediocre, integrity of expression arises, with inexorable force and inspiration.
Falsity is anathema to human reality. The false narrative will not substitute for culture any more than political ideologies can substitute for intellectual acumen. The sole effect is one of apathy, resulting in the demand for authenticity.
With the inevitable failure and collapse of the superficial and mediocre, integrity of expression arises, with inexorable force and inspiration.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Expression and Impression
Observe the high degree of what is commonly called distraction.
Observe also the decline in perceptual capacity, the emotional attachment to being "in the moment" rather than conscious of the larger human and natural world. The total effect is one of distress and exaggerated, frenetic self-importance. Of course much music is designed to intensify perspectives of this nature, to fuel a "drive" toward ever-increasing hubris and vainglory.
My compositions, in contrast, aim for the perceiver to recognize and develop a perspective that is entirely different, one closer to that of a universal awareness of both sound and sense of being.
Ambimusica.com
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Surrounded
Every setting is permeated with a sonic atmosphere.
Rather than adding ambience by creating music, I am interested in transforming the aural nature of atmospheric panoramas into aesthetic sound compositions. While I do not share the methodology at this time, the observant listener will discern the peculiar nature of these works.
Rather than adding ambience by creating music, I am interested in transforming the aural nature of atmospheric panoramas into aesthetic sound compositions. While I do not share the methodology at this time, the observant listener will discern the peculiar nature of these works.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Never to Return
For the artist, the finished work is its own reward.
Nonetheless, it is more often than not difficult, painstaking, and underappreciated labor, fraught with frustration, failed experiments, and subject to the opprobrium of the ignorant and apathetic.
Those things most often lost are those taken for granted, and they are many.
Nonetheless, it is more often than not difficult, painstaking, and underappreciated labor, fraught with frustration, failed experiments, and subject to the opprobrium of the ignorant and apathetic.
Those things most often lost are those taken for granted, and they are many.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Transmission XII
Cultures bound to ideologies are, without exception, failures.
Creators, artists, writers and composers, free your minds, or remain in the shadows.
Creators, artists, writers and composers, free your minds, or remain in the shadows.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Expansion, Diminishment
Some define the role of the composer as an author or creator of "art" as "serious music".
While this may be useful to certain people, and particularly those who adhere to general cultural norms related to music, it is a view that is inimical to wide-ranging perspectives on art and sound.
These latter viewpoints cannot be conveniently restricted or labeled, but they are in many ways notable as modern, dynamic, individualistic, and avant-garde, though these terms simply suggest starting points for an aesthetic understanding those bound to the former are unlikely to pursue.
Ambimusica.com
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Space Time Sound
Consider the surrounding environment a vessel.
Envision, generate the sonic palette, and compose according to the idea that it is the virtue of the vessel to be filled. From these simple fundamentals, approach new sonic atmospheres.
Ambimusica.com
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Abstract
No single perspective expresses reality. It cannot be done.
Perceive sounds in spatial environments and give concrete expression to their forms in ways that may be reproduced as aesthetic atmospheres. This is the artist as composer's point of view and stated goal, informed by personal aesthetic sense, cultural history, science, and the inner ear, rather than by music.
Perceive sounds in spatial environments and give concrete expression to their forms in ways that may be reproduced as aesthetic atmospheres. This is the artist as composer's point of view and stated goal, informed by personal aesthetic sense, cultural history, science, and the inner ear, rather than by music.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Silence
Where expression is shackled to ideology, inauthentic expression is all-pervasive.
Even where every form of speech, art, and action appears to be accepted, what cannot be expressed are opposing viewpoints, which are taboo and "unthinkable". The result is that true perceptions may not be revealed. The insight that consciousness implies soul cannot be spoken where the idea of the existence of a "soul" is not countenanced by those whose understanding is predicated upon falsity.
The artist, as renegade, must live according to the way of the warrior.
Ambimusica.com
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Gordian
Totalitarian cultures function in the same manner as cults.
They create mysteries, and enemies. They inform every need of all initiates, who are conditioned to provide all answers to all questions except the ones they are not allowed to ask. They tolerate only a single perspective, and those who see differently are "the other", thus evil. Every aspect of society is permeated with a single ideology that cannot be undone.
Individuality is, consequently, forbidden, because ultimately freedom will overcome.
They create mysteries, and enemies. They inform every need of all initiates, who are conditioned to provide all answers to all questions except the ones they are not allowed to ask. They tolerate only a single perspective, and those who see differently are "the other", thus evil. Every aspect of society is permeated with a single ideology that cannot be undone.
Individuality is, consequently, forbidden, because ultimately freedom will overcome.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Restoration
Only the individual can take initiative and responsibility.
Within culture, there is order as well as disorder. Neither is permanent, regardless of which is desirable to one cultural faction or another.
Ambimusica.com
Friday, November 18, 2016
Will and the Real
Culture will be free, and freely develop, or it will not be at all.
Subjected to the coercive force of ideology, and particularly that of a collectivist nature, culture invariably fails entirely, becoming absurd. This cannot be stopped, and has come to pass generally.
It can, however, be overcome and restored, for the simple reason that it cannot compete with free thought and expression.
Subjected to the coercive force of ideology, and particularly that of a collectivist nature, culture invariably fails entirely, becoming absurd. This cannot be stopped, and has come to pass generally.
It can, however, be overcome and restored, for the simple reason that it cannot compete with free thought and expression.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
High Strangeness IV
The wealth of the artist is in the work.
At its highest level, the work is no more than expression of the real, the known, and the unknown.
Ambimusica.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Significance and Choice
Ideological observations, or "statements", are of brief duration.
Consider, in contrast, the timeless expression of universal beauty and strength art may attain, and the value of the work it demands.
Consider, in contrast, the timeless expression of universal beauty and strength art may attain, and the value of the work it demands.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Exercise XVI
Observe contrasting methods in all forms of action.
Evaluate possible outcomes resulting from spontaneity on the one hand, and restraint on the other. Consider the potential effects of impulsive force and that which is refined; note the nature of both reaction and response. Determine ways in which these forces come to a state of equilibrium, and apply these assessments, as warranted, to creative action.
Put simply, weigh the diverse means to attain total aesthetic effect, and experiment without regard to success or failure. In this manner, much is revealed.
Evaluate possible outcomes resulting from spontaneity on the one hand, and restraint on the other. Consider the potential effects of impulsive force and that which is refined; note the nature of both reaction and response. Determine ways in which these forces come to a state of equilibrium, and apply these assessments, as warranted, to creative action.
Put simply, weigh the diverse means to attain total aesthetic effect, and experiment without regard to success or failure. In this manner, much is revealed.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Extend and Elevate
Recognize the reality, rather than only that which is the appearance of reality.
With this recognition, the realization of direct perception may be grasped and sustained.
In any art form, this is a difficult concept to express, and it is no less so with the art of sound.
Nonetheless, it can and will be done, and those who are willing will listen, and hear.
With this recognition, the realization of direct perception may be grasped and sustained.
In any art form, this is a difficult concept to express, and it is no less so with the art of sound.
Nonetheless, it can and will be done, and those who are willing will listen, and hear.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
A Wave of Sound
See beyond the moment now.
The past is a wave, the present, a balance. Time Future is all becoming.
Ambimusica.com
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