Technology and the Composer- Herbert Brun

The main points of historical data I took from the text:

-1877-1896 Edison/Berliner created a way to store/retrieve audio in an electronically basic way
-Implementation of technology was prominent after 1900s
-1950s America: Most advanced studios found at universities
-1956: First computer assisted composition (Hiller/Isaacson)
-1950+: Era of great technological advances

In terms of what really resonated within the article, I was struck by the idea of "input/output". The notion that music isn't solely an end product. Musicians seek ways to 'input' into the field rather than have an 'output' that is final and, in some respects, stagnant. This concept was extremely relatable to my studies in the dance realm and it gave me a better understanding for this art form.

The author then touches upon the implications of compositions and sound. Essentially, music is a universal language and an aspect deeply ingrained in daily life. It's not an exaggeration that music is extremely influential because it is constantly changed and updated. "Relevance" was a good term for it's mutable nature.

'Composition of art' and 'art of composition' was an interesting notion to me. I came to the conclusion that each considers either the product or process with higher regard, respectively.

Section II, deals heavily with intention meeting perception. Each artist has an intention that is typically far from the perception their work is met with. This is due to individual schema and biases but the comparison of this exchange to language was clear and I appreciated the topic of anticommunication. Because recognizing what isn't there and what you aren't alluding to or trying to teach is important to any work.

Section II feels almost like an ode to technology and the possibilities it can open up for both composer and listener. (Especially, the final and most melodramatic sentence of the text). And while I recognize most of the examples to be valid, I question whether technology can rob music of a certain organic nature or genuine integrity.

Overall, the text emphasizes the value of sound and composition while equally paying attention to the process. A bit overzealous in writing style, but wholly informative and thought provoking.