Composer

:

David Rosenboom

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1972

Average_duration

:

18:38

"Portable Gold and Philosophers' Stones" is a composition by David Rosenboom, an American composer, performer, and interdisciplinary artist. The piece was composed in 1972 and premiered on May 6, 1973, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The composition consists of four movements, each exploring different aspects of sound and its relationship to the human body and consciousness. The first movement, titled "The Invisibility of the Visible," features a solo performer playing a custom-built instrument called the "brainwave oscillator." This instrument translates the performer's brainwaves into sound, creating a unique sonic landscape that is both organic and otherworldly. The second movement, "Portable Gold and Philosophers' Stones," is a duet for piano and percussion. The piano part is played on a specially prepared instrument, with various objects placed on the strings to alter the sound. The percussionist plays a variety of instruments, including gongs, cymbals, and drums, creating a rich and complex texture that is both rhythmic and melodic. The third movement, "The Indeterminate Heart," is a solo piece for violin and electronics. The violinist plays a series of improvisations, which are then processed and manipulated in real-time by a computer. The result is a constantly evolving soundscape that blurs the line between acoustic and electronic music. The final movement, "The Zen of Frying Eggs," is a trio for flute, clarinet, and bassoon. The piece is based on a series of instructions, which the performers follow to create a series of improvised sounds. The instructions are designed to encourage the performers to explore the limits of their instruments and their own creativity, resulting in a playful and unpredictable performance. Overall, "Portable Gold and Philosophers' Stones" is a groundbreaking work that explores the intersection of technology, consciousness, and creativity. Rosenboom's use of custom-built instruments, electronic processing, and improvisation techniques creates a unique and immersive sonic experience that challenges the listener's expectations and expands the boundaries of contemporary music.

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