A couple of weeks ago, Tod gave a keynote at the "Music: Cognition, Technology Society" conference at Cornell University. Tyran Grillo just posted this thorough summary at Sequenza 21, a blog devoted to contemporary classical music. He write: "Music: Cognition, Technology, Society set a formidable intellectual task before participants of the selfsame conference at semester’s end on the quieting …
Gramophone Reviews Tod Machover’s latest CD
The venerable Gramophone, which bills itself "The world's unrivalled authority on classical music since 1923," just came out with an excellent review of Tod Machover's most recent CD, "...but not simpler..." The review notes that Machover's technological innovations, such as Hyperinstruments and Hyperorchestra, "have crucial and winning impacts on the expressive possibilities of Machover's music, as can …
Continue reading "Gramophone Reviews Tod Machover’s latest CD"
Performer’s Guide to “Sparkler”
A one-stop-shop for performing organizations interested in Tod Machover's "Sparkler", a work for orchestra and electronics. "Machover’s controlled venturesomeness in terms of rhythm, tempo, and dynamics makes the music so scintillating that “Fireworks” would have been a likelier title for this work..." - Phil Muse “Sparkler (2007) sparkles. There’s a wealth of color-drenched details: virtuosic wind passages juxtaposed …
Performer’s Guide to “Jeux Deux”
A one-stop-shop for performing organizations interested in Tod Machover's "Jeux Deux", a work for orchestra, Yamaha Disklavier and electronics. Machover utilizes his “hyperpiano” concept, in which the grand piano, played with consummate sensitivity by Paul Chertock, interacts with the Yamaha Disklavier in a way that augments, transforms and splinters the music, sometimes releasing a volley of pre-composed notes in …
“Resurrection” Will Air May 6
Listen up! The Classical Discoveries radio program on WPRB 103.3FM (Princeton, NJ) is airing Tod Machover's opera "Resurrection" in full this Sunday, May 6, from 6:00-10:00AM (the music begins at 7:00AM). The broadcast will be available for download as an MP3 for two weeks. Host and producer Marvin Rosen "celebrates new music and living composers" …
Performer’s Guide to “Hyper Dim Sums”
A one-stop shop for performing organizations interested in Tod Machover's "Hyper Dim Sums", short works for string quartet "Machover’s exquisite attention to line and form is most evident in the trio of splendid short works for string quartet" - Phil Muse LISTEN - Excerpts To request a CD or MP3 of full tracks please email junekino@media.mit.edu for a …
Prelude to Toronto – Crowdsourced piano improv
Last week's experiment at the MIT Media Lab tested out a new system to allow the listening public to express musical preferences to a pianist who responded in real time. Tae Kim's tour de force of improvisation drew a highly engaged crowd both at the Media Lab and online, as well as some media attention. …
Continue reading "Prelude to Toronto – Crowdsourced piano improv"
Armenia Project – Video of concert now available
It's wonderful what young people can achieve if just given the tools, encouragement and respect. Back on February 25, 2012, two of Armenia’s elite musical ensembles dig into new pieces composed entirely by children from Armenia and the United States. The children used Hyperscore software developed by the MIT Media Lab's Opera of the Future group. …
Continue reading "Armenia Project – Video of concert now available"
Toronto Project – A Collaborative Improvisation
You can take part today in the latest experiment for the Toronto Symphony project? In a message posted on the project website Tod Machover explains: Welcome to an experiment in collaborative improvisation! On Tuesday, April 24th from 3:00–5:00 pm EST, we'll be offering the possibility for you to join us at the MIT Media Lab to help shape …
Continue reading "Toronto Project – A Collaborative Improvisation"
“Death and the Powers” a Finalist for 2012 Pulitzer Prize
A wonderful bit of news today! We learned that "Death and the Powers" was one of three finalists for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Music. The prize recognizes a distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the previous year (2011). The award was presented …
Continue reading "“Death and the Powers” a Finalist for 2012 Pulitzer Prize"
Opera of the Future 