record works

The work was installed in juxtaposition with a scrolling, LED sign that repeated these two quotes reflecting on the significance of recorded music:

For myself, I can only say that I am astonished and somewhat terrified at the results of this evening’s experiments. Astonished at the wonderful power you have developed, terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever.

“Toast to Mr. Edison,” by Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan), London, England, 1888

With recording, everything changed. The prospect of music being detachable from time and place meant that one could start to think as music as part of one’s furniture. It’s an idea that many composers have felt reluctant about because it seemed to them to diminish the importance of music.

Brian Eno in conversation with David Mitchell, Salon, October 1, 2011