Studio Sound at MoMA: A Deep Dive into Sound Art with Ciani and Davachi
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In September 2023, MoMA opens its doors to sound aficionados, granting a sonorous escape into the intricate realms of electronic music. Through Studio Sound, a pioneering performance series, MoMA embraces the artistry where sound and visual art merge, and pioneers of this realm take center stage. This year, the sounds of two groundbreaking artists, Suzanne Ciani and Sarah Davachi, reverberate through MoMA’s Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Studio, taking listeners on an exploratory journey of auditory sensations.
Suzanne Ciani: The Legacy of the Buchla Suzanne Ciani, renowned as the “Diva of the Diode,” is set to mesmerize with three performances of her spatial sound experience, “Improvisation on Four Sequences”. The work utilizes the Buchla 200e, an avant-garde musical interface. Created by Don Buchla in the mid-60s, the Buchla sidestepped the conventionalities of the 12-tone keyboard. In Ciani’s hands, the Buchla becomes more than an instrument; it is a conduit for soundscapes that play with space and movement. Every chirp, hum, and vibration is a deliberate choice, showcasing Ciani’s mastery over the Buchla’s sonic capabilities.
Sarah Davachi: Immersive Harmonics Contrasting Ciani’s improvisations is Sarah Davachi, a Canadian sound experimentalist, presenting a series of electroacoustic performances. Davachi is celebrated for her meticulous layering, creating a symphony of drones that immerse and envelop. With compositions like “Long Gradus,” she directs attention to the interplay of moments, slowing cognitive processes and asking listeners to delve deep into the intricacies of her sound. “Brass Chant” and “Music for a Bellowing Room” further expand on her musical dialect, presenting a harmonious interplay between instruments, electronic elements, and video artistry.
An Experience Beyond Just Listening Each performance promises more than just auditory enjoyment. Scheduled conversations between the artists and curator Martha Joseph following select performances offer attendees a chance to delve deeper, understanding the artistic intent and processes behind each composition. This dialogue bridges the gap between artist and audience, enabling a deeper appreciation for the avant-garde world of electronic music.
In championing Studio Sound, MoMA offers not just a concert but an experiential journey. Sound and music intertwine with art, narrative, and technology, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional conceptions. For enthusiasts of electronic music and sound art, MoMA’s Studio Sound is a must-visit, promising a medley of innovative sound experiences that transcend mere listening.
Learn more about Suzanne Ciani
