Ensemble Robot is a really cool group of artists. They make electronically controlled acoustic instruments and collaborate with interesting composers
One of the reasons I find this ensemble and their work so interesting is that it reverses the traditional paradigm of using electronics to emulate acoustic music. It instead uses acoustic sources to realize what is essentially electronic music. The robots always perform in conjunction with human performers. They work with contemporary composers who write music specifically for the unique orchestration offered by Ensemble Robot. One of my favorite pieces that they have performed is a piece by Evan Ziporyn called Belle Labs where the "Heliphon" is used to suggest the timbre and music of a Balinese Gamelan as an accompaniment to Clarinet and Violin.
The combining of disparate influences (modern, ancient, east, west) creates a msuic that is eclectic, beautiful and unexpected.
The instruments themselves offer a wide variety of expression. From broad sustained choir-like harmonies offered by the Whirlybot to the chaotic and insistent pulse of the Bot(i)cello, all the elements of a complete musical orchestra are there. They are abstractions of the roles fulfilled by older instruments. For my final project I want to explore the different kinds of musical expression offered by electronically and mechanically controlled acoustic resonators
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