Electronic music goes high art

If Gann explores the early and middle periods of eletronic music, the genre seems to have reached a high point. Most of the music of Chapter 10 seems to be electronic music in the formative stages, twinkles of greatness, but lots of searching, like early symphonies of Sammartini.



I will dedicate this post mostly to exploration of the very popular young composer Mason Bates:
  Bates is a DJ/composer who seeks to replicate electronic sounds with acoustic instruments. He hit the scene big as composer for the Youtube Symphony. He has been in residence with San Fransisco Symphony and Chicago. His music builds on dance beats, his music shifts smoothly frequently and maintains interest, often exploring subtle colors. Often performing electronics on stage (in T shirt), he certainly represents electronic music reaching high brow.

His major splash, Mothership by the Youtube Symphony with star improvisations:


Bates talking (in his voice exactly like Owen Wilson) on technology and mass transmission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=livy1_GDFzQ

Most interesting: A collaborative remix of the Ligeti sonata and groovy at Le Poisson Rouge with electronics.

A piece with some really interesting colors and textures performed by the Detroit Symphony:

Bates is not on stage, but you can easily imagine him in the back working on his laptop.


Finally, piece for DJ and band which is very frequently performed:

His music is really accessible and holds a broad appeal. Unless he continues to innovate, his music risks being to much alike. He has several pieces for band and electronics which are performed frequently. Of course, his music really is just beats with interesting colors... I still like it.