Bang on a Can

In HEADPHONE-DRIVEN PERFORMANCE performers try to imitate vocal sounds that are played over headphones. The performers have never heard these sounds before, and yet they are asked to reproduce the input AS IT HAPPENS - with every word, pitch, and expression accurate and NO LAG TIME WHATSOEVER. This last requirement makes the task quite impossible and the result resembles a bizarre, mostly indecipherable unknown language - even though source material is, for the most part, plain spoken English. In some sections, simple movement directions are added, electronic signal tones cueing the performers to listen for instructions. To preserve the necessary element of surprise, each performer can execute a given role only once. Mock-up tapes are used for auditions, training, and rehearsal. This work is characterized by highly organized interplay between performers and musical accompaniment. The accompaniment and all of the headphone parts come from a single 8-channel digital source. -Joshua Fried