ICE
Monte Weber: AUTOMATA
AUTOMATA is a collection of eighteen electro-acoustic vignettes written for International Contemporary Ensemble in 2016-2017. This series is the start of a collection of musical modules which can be performed in any order and in varying combinations. Each instrument has an electro-acoustic preparation which in some way augments that instrument’s sonic capabilities and tests the performer’s sense of control. Each instrument’s electro-acoustic preparation is connected to a singular laptop hub controlled live by a computer musician using an assortment of tactile midi controllers. Bits of musical information are generated algorithmically and fed to the musicians via display monitors. The ensemble reads a musical score which constantly changes based on new input from the computer. Furthermore, elements of the electronic processing on specific instruments change in conjunction with the algorithm, governing the notation choices in the live generated score. Automata is a piece designed to test these interactive systems which incorporate the performer in a constantly changing live environment, and weighs the performer’s sense of autonomy against automated processes. The piece is a hybrid of electronics and liveness. It creates a situation where the performer’s agency is tested, and an illusion of control is born.
