Listening Room with Michael J. Schumacher
New Ear's Spatial Listening program focuses on spatial sound works, where the distribution and localization of sounds is a primary compositional parameter and a central feature for the listener.
You are invited to celebrate the release of Michael J. Schumacher's 'Living Room Pieces,' a unique sound installation and long-form composition designed for living spaces. 'Living Room Pieces,' which takes the form of a tiny computer that connects directly to powered speakers or your home sound system, will be issued in a limited edition of ten on Chaikin Records.
Just as paintings impact the visual space of one's home, this installation serves to reframe one's sonic environment.
Constructed upon long periods of silence, the audio content of 'Living Room Pieces' comes from a library of more than 7,000 sounds. This sound bank, drawn from three decades' worth of Schumacher's 'Room Pieces.' is impressively diverse and consists largely of an expansive palette of composed musical shapes, textures and gestures. After seven days, its cycle repeats, but with newly generated content and patterns; the piece will never be the same twice.
'Living Room Pieces,' created to integrate seamlessly within one's home, is a genuinely innovative way to enhance the experience of listening, enrich one's sonic environment, and provide an endless source of contemplation, discussion and inspiration. Come experience the unpredictable magic of 'Living Room Pieces' in action.
Schumacher is a pioneering figure in the field of spatial sound and algorithmic composition. Since 1993, his multi-channel, generative Room Pieces have been presented in galleries, museums, concert halls, and other spaces around the world.
He holds a doctorate in composition from Juilliard, where his principal teacher was Vincent Persichetti.
Chaikin Records is the experimental music label led by composer/percussionist Brian Chase (known to many as the drummer for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Chaikin's roster includes Gelsey Bell, Anthony Coleman, Jessica Pavone, Zeena Parkins, String Noise, and other sonic adventurers.
