Action/Réaction is Daniel Scheidt's first CD. It presents five electro-acoustic pieces created between 1986 and 1990 where the computer takes care of the electronic part and a real instrumentalist the acoustic one. The emphasis in Scheidt's music is not on the organization of sound events through... [+] Expand

Action/Réaction is Daniel Scheidt's first CD. It presents five electro-acoustic pieces created between 1986 and 1990 where the computer takes care of the electronic part and a real instrumentalist the acoustic one. The emphasis in Scheidt's music is not on the organization of sound events through composition, but in the programming of parameters that will regulate the computer's freedom and reactions. Trying to make the computer respond to improvisation like a human musician while enhancing an instrument and/or performer's capabilities is a legitimate, even noble, venture. But the results can sound clanky, cold, and distant -- that's what happens on Action/Réaction, especially in the earlier pieces. "Obeying the Laws of Physics," featuring percussionist Trevor Turesky, is a roller coaster of unstoppable staccato sounds. They dance around aimlessly, overloading the sound spectrum to no avail. Things get more interesting in "Stories Told." The input of the digital musician is better controlled and somewhat more relevant. An extra dimension is added by Robin Dawes' text, computer-generated in a pseudo-language. The star of this CD is trombonist George Lewis, who graces "Norm 'n George" with his usual volubility, but once again his fans will probably find the computer's reactions mainly annoying. The sustained notes and study in pitches of the beautiful "Squeeze" (with Lori Freedman on bass clarinet) simply come too late to save this otherwise rapidly aging disc. Of interest mostly for those who can appreciate it from a computer programmer point of view. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

• songs
• similar
• videos
• eyeviews
• reviews
• download directory