The Record Player Orchestra is an interactive and performative installation exploring the possibilities of collaborative and symbiotic manipulation of sound through physical engagement with a record player, turntable and a bespoke vinyl record.
This item contains 2 photos and 2 videos of the RPO installation, 1 video of 16mm film and soundtrack, a festival poster and 6 audio files of RPO improvisations.
This item documents the installation of RPO at the London Analogue Festival in 2014 over a 3 day period. The element of accidental encounter was significant during the festival as the number of participants varied as crowds or individuals came across and interacted with the record players and vinyl by chance. The individual improvisations included a composition, Silent Track Girl, developed using the 2 minutes of silence track on side B of the vinyl. Other individuals interacted wth several different players at once to develop new compositions which were then scored in the form of a diagram or written text to be performed again. The catalyst for group improvisations was in the form of a theme, film, physical device or through listen and response, and the resulting compositions include Disco Biscuit Bellringing and Accidental Disharmonic Circling. Through a further chance encounter Clarke also improvised a live soundtrack solo for an artist's 16mm film, R.O.B.E.S.P.I.E.R.R.E being screened at the festival, remaining out of view to minimise notions of authorship.
9 Record Player Orchestra improvisations were created and recorded during the London Analogue Festival.