performance

The Metaphysics of Notation

The Metaphysics of Notation, Mark Applebaum

Performance series “The Metaphysics of Notation” finds abstract notation interpreted through a kaleidoscope of methods: theater, movement, music, and sound poem. Third Angle and Portland Center Stage have invited a number of artists from different disciplines to interpret “The Metaphysics of Notation,” an epic graphic score by Mark Applebaum currently installed on the mezzanine at the Gerding Theater at the Armory. Today at noon, sound poetry ensemble Blum Blum Shub Sound Poetry Coincidence (featuring David Abel, Leo Daedalus, and mARK oWEns) interpret the 72-foot long work.

Leo Daedalus of Blum Blum Shub (named for a random number generator) said this about the performance:

“The Metaphysics of Notation” score comprises three sets of graphic expression:

1) structural marks; 2) marks that are proxies for other marks; 3) indecisive marks

Applying to those sets the methodologies advanced in E. S. Segrob’s Handbook of Unforeseen Categories (El manual de las categorías imprevistas, Naguara, 1936) I will construct a vocal body of filler concepts (see Wirklichstein, Der Füllselbegriff) in blind concordance with the blackbox predicates (Bazzutti, Gli sguardi incombenti; Jäänenä, Miksi kuka?) of my colleagues, Messrs. Abel, Owens, and Nenhum (in absentia).

The series is in anticipation of Third Angle’s concert “Chance/Perchance: A Musical Happening,” on Friday, March 5 — featuring work by David Schiff, Terry Riley and Mark Applebaum — at the Hollywood Theatre.

Performances happen each Friday in February at noon at Portland Center Stage on the Mezzanine, Gerding Theater at the Armory. Next up are the Quadrophonnes Saxophone Quartet on the 19th and dancer/choreographer Linda Austin on February 26.

POSTED: February 12th, 2010 | AUTHOR: lisa | FILED UNDER: performance | TAGS: , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »