The value of open space


Composers such as Webern, Cage, Feldman, and Stockhausen all utilized vast spacious open passages with faint and delicate sounds within them ('colored' silence as Stockhausen put it). If a system is set up right, this allows those sounds to 'sparkle' in deep space, opening vistas for the ear to swim in. How many audiophiles really appreciate this phenomena? It is really one of my favorite things in music. It seems to me that digital sources crunch this space into blandness, and it really takes a turntable to do it justice. Agree?
chashmal

Showing 3 responses by chashmal

Of course, open resonant passages have been with music since the beginning of time. However in both 20th century composition and improvisation something unique was done: they became focal points with just as concentration as the notes. I am definitely not taking anything away from the great silences in, say, Gregorian chants, but someone like Morton Feldman makes subjects rather than supports out of them.

I have heard many of the great CD players, factory and modded. I still maintain that even the best of them cannot do with open resonant space what vinyl can do.

In case anyone was wondering, or wants to point the finger at my source, I use a Linn LP12 with a Rega arm and Benz Ace cartridge. My CD is a 24 bit Meridian. Nice detail, but it aint vinyl.
Confidence level? I would say the same as that of my own existence: an open question. I am willing to take the challenge any time, my ears are ready. I would love to find a CD player that tears asunder the vast empty. Any suggestions?

Please suggest!
Good work Guidocorona, you got me. I have never heard the players you mentioned. I also couldn't find them on A-gon. Where could they be heard? I live in NYC.