The art of the post-Internet present in the cultural space has become a manifesto of new aesthetics integrating elements of the global network with all kinds of creative processes. It increasingly raises an issue closer to everyday life: the inclusion of artificial intelligence in creativity, which can somehow replace some of the actions or thoughts of humans. Reflection on the essence of the human factor’s presence, generating real energy on stage, has become the theme of this year’s Musica Electronica Nova. During the festival inauguration, works themed around this concept will be performed by musicians from Vienna’s Black Page Orchestra.
“Will humanity be able to stop the algorithm before it devours the world?” – this is the question asked by Matthias Kranebitter in his composition Combative Music And Its Algorithmic Demystification. The piece leads us from the present to the near future, when all the forces of humanity, even the most athletic individuals on the planet, unite to take part in the final battle against total enslavement by machines. Kranebitter illustrates this futuristic struggle through the work’s glitchy sound layer. The intense, dense feedback that connects electric and acoustic timbres is synonymous with the rivalry between humans and machines. Whose participation will prove fatal, and who will triumph? “You won't believe what happens next!” the composer announces.
Difference and Repetition (fr. Différence et répétition) is a 1968 treatise by Gilles Deleuze, in which the French philosopher reflects on the two phenomena, trying to relate them to the concept of existence and identity. The piece became a source of inspiration for the Austrian composer Bernhard Lang and the DW cycle (Differenz/Wiederholung). The composer explores the possibilities offered by the use of numerous loops and repetitions, but also radical cuts or transformations of musical material made using patterns known from popular music. Count 2 4, Another Door for Jenny and Burning Sister are three pieces from the DW 16.4 ‘Songbook I.4’ cycle, which will be presented by the artists of the Black Page Orchestra. The repertoire will also include the premiere of a new composition by Marta Śniady – an artist who uses diverse forms of expression in her works, often stretching their forms to the limits in search of original sound and visual effects.
The Body X Ultra – Under the Skin for flute, baritone saxophone, electric guitar, MIDI keyboard, drumset, objects, video and 4-channel-electronics by Marta Śniady was co-financed from the funds of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage coming from the Culture Promotion Fund, as part of the ‘Composing Commissions’ programme realised by the National Institute of Music and Dance.
