Alvin Lucier - Le même et le différent
A pioneering figure in the sound arts, American composer Alvin Lucier (1931-2021) built up a body of work as singular as it is remarkable, imagining original arrangements in which musical instruments often rub shoulders with equipment from recording studios (microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers, tape recorders, etc.) or research laboratories (sonars, Bunsen burners, oscillators, magnets, etc.). Lucier's mission seems to be to meticulously scrutinize sounds in order to better understand how they unfold in time and space. His works constantly highlight the physical properties of acoustic waves and the complex mechanisms of auditory perception.
During this event moderated by François-Xavier Féron, Matthieu Saladin will talk about his personal experience with the composer and the writing of his book Alvin Lucier - Le même et le différent - Entretiens avec Matthieu Saladin (Éditions MF, 2023). Saladin will discuss Lucier's place in the arts and his legacy with art historian Marcella Lista and artist Sébastien Roux. To fully experience Lucier's works in sound, three of his pieces will be broadcast during the evening: I am sitting in [Stravinsky] Room (1969) for voice and recording system, Quasimodo the Great Lover (1970) for anyone wishing to send sounds over long distances, and Crossings (1982) for small ensemble and slow frequency sweep sine wave generator.
Guests Matthieu Saladin (Université Paris 8) and Marcella Lista (Centre Pompidou)
Scientific and artistic coordination François-Xavier Féron and Sébastien Roux ( Analysis of musical practices team, IRCAM-STMS)