Event Detail

Bryan Jacobs presents:
Computer-controlled instruments in composition and sound art

The Computer Music Series continues with a lecture by composer, performer and sound artist Bryan Jacobs. Of his presentation, Jacobs explains: "I will discuss and demonstrate a number of recent computer-controlled pieces I’ve created for use in musical compositions and gallery presentation. Each instrument creates electronic sounds acoustically with the use of physical computing platforms like Arduino, Teensy, and Raspberry Pi. My work is fueled by the increased accessibility of physical computing technologies as it inspires new generations of composers to explore electronic music beyond loud speakers."

Jacobs’ work focuses on interactions between live performers, mechanical instruments and computers. His pieces are often theatrical in nature, pitting blabber-mouthed fanciful showoffs against timid reluctants. The sounds are playfully organized and often mimic patterns found in human dialogue. Hand-build electromechanical instruments controlled by microcontrollers bridge acoustic and electroacoutic sound worlds. These instruments live dual lives as time-based concert works and non-time-based gallery works.

Jacobs' music has been performed by ensembles such as the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Wet Ink, International Contemporary Ensemble, Talea Ensemble, Ensemble Pamplemousse, and defunensemble. His music has been featured at many music festivals in Europe and in the U.S. He is a 2017 Guggenheim Fellow and has performed his own compositions for guitar and electronics at the Stone (NYC), Miller Theater (NYC) and the Wulf (LA). In addition to his artistic endeavors, Jacobs is the co-founder of Qubit, a New York-based new music initiative that presents mostly emerging artists whose work involve creative uses of technology.