Response - LaMonte Young's Dream House
3.8.07 Melo Foundation
Matt Steckler • Audio Art
I was urged to experience Dream House almost 2 years ago when I took a Contemporary Music class at Steinhardt, and am finally glad I did tonight, albeit, I would not recommend arriving shortly after teaching screaming children who bang on instruments, the effect on the ears is quite oppressive and my already pressure-sensitive self was ever more guarded. Yet, the volunteer aide there recommended at least 20 minutes, and so I obliged. The wait was necessary to experience just several of the sonic possibilities inherent in the multiple-sine wave oscillator engines. I had no idea that the very slightest tilt of the head would produce an instant difference in the audible frequency spectrum - this was quite different from Times Square, where the changes are far more gradual. Also in contrast to Times Square, Dream House is a total enveloping experience... although, the visuals were pretty modest (or rather, the space in which they were placed), I was content just closing my eyes to listen. I experimented with different elevations, gradations of covering my ears (& even vibrating my hands over them!), tiltings and angle positions. I can't say I get deeply interested in the math behind it, but I skimmed the more than ample readings they gave out and Mr. Young seems deeply concerned with making symmetry out of primes. I won't judge his erudition, as long as the chords are beautifully dissonant, which they are.