By:

• Michael Norris

Duration:

06' 00"

Samples

	Score (99k)	Pages 1-3 of score of 'Machine Noise'© Michael Norris
	Recording (932k)	0:00-1:00© Radio New Zealand / SOUNZ
You need a Flash plugin to view this player
	Recording (2055k)	0:00-1:00© Michael Norris / Stephen de Pledge

Availability

• This work has 2 scores and 2 recordings

Programme Note

In the book Consciousness Explained Daniel Dennett convincingly argues that there is nothing about human consciousness, emotion or experience that cannot be encompassed by a purely physical, biological and mechanical explanation. We do not need to refer to some ‘soul’ or ‘mind’s eye’ to describe our experiences. We are, in short, machines – just very clever machines.

These three short miniatures push the performer to the limits, yet, paradoxically, a ‘human’ reading of the score still brings to the surface a more energetic, compelling and arguably musical performance than a merely mechanical rendition.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by Stephen De Pledge

• Stephen De Pledge

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Performance History

	25 May 2007	Performed by Stephen De Pledge (piano); Adam Concert Room, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
		Stephen De Pledge
	02 Nov 2007	Performed by Stroma at St Andrews on the Terrace, Wellington
		Stroma
	27 Feb 2008	Performed by Stephen De Pledge at the Ilott Theatre, Town Hall Wellington, as part of the 2008 New Zealand International Arts Festival. Watch this performance on Youtube
		Stephen De Pledge