Page 205 - @ccess 3 Teacher´s Book

instrument and a decent computer simulation of those Clara: Exactly. That is why it’s helpful to encourage
instruments. Besides, listeners like this computerized children to pick up classical instruments, even if they
effect, and DJs are not interested in just copying love electronic music. Being part of a band or orchestra
sounds, quite the opposite. They are making much is a great way to learn teamwork skills and make friends.
more. As a person on an online forum said, “Computer- If electronic musicians are like boxers, stepping into the
based sound is so versatile nowadays; it can produce ring alone, then classical musicians are like members of
as many subtle nuances as a competent performer a sports team. No one player can do it all on their own.
could want.” That’s one of the lessons that you learn playing a classic
Moderator: Can you give me an example of the work instrument.
these DJs are doing right now? María: I agree with that, and I would love to see DJs
Eric: Sure. There is an electronic musician named composing and performing with their peers. I think they
Robert D. James that is working with robots that play should work on this particular detail.
traditional instruments and he records it. In an interview, Clara: Then, how can a musician connect with people if
he stated that he has been doing electro-mechanical he would rather work by himself or there is a machine,
music with drum robots. In the interview with Pitchfork, not a person, making the music?
the magazine, he stated that he records the sounds David: I agree with what María said, but I think the
made with MIDI pipe organs, a Disklavier-controlled trends will change, as they always have, and we will soon
piano and computer-controlled percussion. listen to DJs combining their forces.
Clara: What’s MIDI? Pablo: However, it’s not just this. As you may know,
Eric: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital commercial music done by computer is cheaper to make
Interface, so it is a language that allows computers, because you don’t have to pay as many people as you may
musical instruments and other hardware to need if you had hired an orchestra. Machines don’t eat.
communicate. Paula: Well, you are right, but I think this has more to do
Clara: OH, I see. Thanks. with the employers’ politics and not just with music.
Moderator: Clara, do you think that computer music Moderator: Let’s summarize the issues we’ve discussed.
has the same quality as the music made with traditional Clara: I didn’t know all of the work that making
instruments? computer music involves. I thought it was just an
Clara: I don’t think so. As Pablo stated before, amateur’s job. However, you must admit that not
commercial music sounds over-manipulated. Besides, everyone can make good music.
how can the final product be as good something made David: Oh, I completely agree. Good music is good
with traditional instruments? The years dedicated to music, no matter where it comes from.
mastering the art of playing an instrument provide a Paula: Indeed! The result depends on the skills of the
better result. person making the music. It doesn’t matter if he uses a
María: Well, actually, most electronic musicians play the traditional instrument, a computer, or both.
piano, since the controllers they use look and operate Pablo: That is just what I think.
like keyboards. I read this in an article called “Are virtual Eric: We also talked about the social factor lost in
instruments and musical software solutions a threat computer music, and we all agree DJs should work on
to classical instruments?” Besides, I created computer this, but we also now understand that “music is crafted
music using principles and terminology developed in not by computers and other musical instruments
the classical world. Thus, the two forms of music making used but by the person who uses them”.
complement each other and the computer won’t María: It might help to see computers integrating and
displace traditional instruments. not displacing traditional instruments. Music connects
Moderator: Let’s move on to the third issue of the people, and computers are just another way of creating
debate: Does computer music provoke the same that connection.
feelings in people as music made with traditional Moderator: Thank you very much for being here. I hope
instruments? What’s your take on this, Eric? you enjoyed the debate and I look forward to discussing
Eric: I really do think so, as music connects people with another interesting topic with you. Have a good day.
each other. Goodbye!
Pablo: I’m afraid I disagree. I understand that music
connects people, but what about the fact that these Track 66 (Practice 10, Activities 2 and 7, Reader’s Book
electronic musicians always make music on their own? Practice 10)
They believe they can play all the instruments and they
do, or they even use robots, as in the example David Narrador: The Speech Competition
provided. Computer-made music takes something
away from the collaboration process. When you learn Atal: How was the competition?
a classic instrument, you understand that you can’t do Malala: It was OK.
everything yourself. Atal: Who participated? Anyone I know?
Moderator: Can you elaborate? Malala: Yes, Moniba, my friend. There were eight or
Pablo: Sure. A rock band isn’t the same if it’s just a guitarist nine other boys and girls, but I didn’t know anyone else.
or just a drummer, it takes different musicians coming Atal: Did Moniba speak well?
together to create something bigger than themselves. Malala: Yes, she did. She was very composed and her

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