Search - Robert Spalding Newcomb :: Synopsis

All compositions of this release have their origin in improvisations performed on nylon-string guitars. In the work from 1975 through 1984, modification of the pure timbre of the guitar is achieved through the use of amplifiers, analog effects boxes, and objects used to 'prepare' the instrument. These objects included a paper clip interleaved through the strings at the bridge, an 1887 silver dollar used in striking the strings, and in one case, an A440 tuning fork moved across the guitar top. Digital delay and 'tape loop' effects are also used in two pieces from 1984. Compositions dating from 1988 to 1997 are created with a nylon-string MIDI guitar as an instrumental basis, and make extensive use of computer-based electronic MIDI sequencing. The most recent piece is produced by software which works with a knowledge-base of musical experience derived from its analysis of several guitar improvisations. The actual sounds in created by MIDI tone generators 'programmed' by the software itself.