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March 26, 2006
PLOrk — Princeton Laptop Orchestra
It was formed last fall, made up of "... 15 first–year students on Macs connected to custom omnidirectional speakers [that] can emulate a full–fledged philharmonic."
Rachel Metz wrote about the group (above) in the new (April) issue of Wired magazine.
Here's her story.
- Laptop Virtuosos
Princeton University's newest musical ensemble is more likely to tickle the keys of a QWERTY than any set of ivories.
When Perry Cook, head of the school's Sound Lab, and Dan Trueman, a tech-minded composer, formed the Princeton Laptop Orchestra last fall, they found that 15 first-year students on Macs connected to custom omnidirectional speakers can emulate a full-fledged philharmonic.
Or an electronica band.
Or a jazz combo.
It's easy when the conductor keeps time via network clocks precise to 20 milliseconds.
The spring semester PLOrk - yes, that's what they call it - comprises an upgraded batch of upperclassmen and plans to perform with Zakir Hussain, master of the tabla (an Indian drum).
They'll also present three concerts of original compositions.
Someday, dozens of Princeton alumni will be able to say that they played a little PowerBook in college.
[via Rachel Metz and Wired magazine]
March 26, 2006 at 12:01 PM | Permalink
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Comments
I would give PLOrk a listen just to hear the incredible Zakir Hussain. You can go to Drummerworld and hear him play an extended tabla solo that is beyond spectacular. But then, he ought to be incredible, since his daddy was the astounding Alla Rakha. Or I guess I should say, the astounding Ustad Alla Rakha.
About whom a little story...Years and years ago I was in New York City (get a rope), sitting in an Air India plane, waiting for it to take off for London. Just sitting there bored and worrying (I can manage both at the same time), and I looked up and not only did I see the astounding Alla Rakha sitting two rows in front of me, but he was reading a MAD magazine, quite intently. I found that quite delightful, kind of like if I'd looked up and seen Vladimir Horowitz playing with Silly String or something.
Posted by: Flutist | Mar 26, 2006 5:29:30 PM
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