Gino Robair Enables Group Modular Synthesizer Performance In Noise Collective Workshop

Francesco Mulssano from TSM (Torino Synth Meeting) has been in contact to pass on the video from their recent masterclass event with Gino Robair from the 11th Jan 2017. Gino has created music for dance, theater, radio, television, silent film, and gamelan orchestra, and his works have been performed throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. He was composer in residence with the California Shakespeare Festival for five seasons and served as music director for the CBS animated series The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat. His commercial work includes themes for the TV and Comedy Central cable networks.

The workshop examined a number of techniques to use when improvising with modular synthesizers within large groups and it laid the groundwork for a concert the same evening, with the workshop participants.

The workshop focused on global awareness and listening during an improvisation, while exploring patching strategies for achieving maximum variety and avoiding stagnation. We also discussed concepts such as foreground/background, solo/support, gestural control, and intention/non-intention.

Here’s a short video of a group modular synth performance from the event:

This was particularly interesting for modular synth users because the temptation with the instrument is to simply layer sounds. Actively patching, and utilizing concepts such as disruption vs. support can be very helpful for sparking ideas about new ways to approach electronics in an group-improv situation.

Participants brought their own instruments. They used any analog synth, although modulars were the focus.

NOISECOLLECTIVE

Noisecollective is the cultural association behind the international event ‘SYNTH MEETING’, held on Torino Italy from 2011. Noisecollective promotes musical culture in all forms, organizing training courses, workshops, talks and concerts.

INFO

Associazione Culturale NOISECOLLECTIVE

Web: http://www.noisecollective.net