Gordon Mumma in Calgary

Greetings,

As part of a New Music festival and John Cage conference
Gordon Mumma was here in Calgary. Last night he performed
Variation II by John Cage for piano and tape. The tape was three
synthesized keyboards (harpsichord, electric piano and celesta).

The instruments were each tuned to 12 tone EQ BUT, each
instrument was separated from the others by 25 cents -- giving a
total of 48 note EQ.

What was interesting for me was that this microtonality was so
totally disguised in the music. Perhaps because so many of the
sounds were disconnected and so my ear had little chance to
reference the pitches.

Still, a very interesting effect. Comments welcome...

I had the great opportunity to talk at length with GM and he was
delightful: with many insights and showing interest in music and
musicians, obscure and distant.

All best wishes,

Gordon Rumson