URL: http://www.computermusic.org

Language(s): English

Keyword(s):

Socio-Cultural Aspects of Electroacoustic Music ,  Computer Music

Abstract:

In this brief paper, the author situates his point of departure in Pierre Boulez’ observation of a tension that exists between contemporary music and its public. Noting that such a tension is even more acute for the public of computer music, the author explores the discourse of computer music, arguing that as a genus of the discourse of contemporary music it may be locked in a modernist position, untouched by post-modernism. He suggests that in order to overcome this situation, computer music must become more self-critical by complimenting its musical and technological analytical approaches with a broader cultural awareness of musical realities, including issues of class, gender, nationality, folklore and other issues that are often considered irrelevant in an imperialist discourse about music.