
“The Great Learning” is a monumental work of experimental music composed by the enigmatic and forward-thinking American composer, Pauline Oliveros (1932-2016). Premiered in 1987, this piece stands as a testament to Oliveros’s pioneering spirit and her dedication to pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration.
Oliveros, a leading figure in the development of Deep Listening practice and a tireless advocate for the inclusion of electronic instruments and improvisation in contemporary music, created “The Great Learning” as a deeply meditative and immersive experience. It is a sonic journey that invites listeners to engage with unfamiliar sounds and textures, challenging preconceived notions of what constitutes “music.”
Sonic Landscape and Compositional Techniques:
“The Great Learning” is characterized by its use of extended techniques on a variety of instruments, including prepared piano, amplified violin, percussion, and tape manipulation. These techniques involve manipulating the instruments in unconventional ways to produce unusual and often harsh sounds, creating an intriguing sonic tapestry that defies easy categorization.
For example, the prepared piano uses objects inserted between the strings to alter its timbre, producing percussive clicks, metallic clangs, and ghostly echoes. The amplified violin employs extended bowing techniques, such as scratching and tapping on the strings with fingers or fingernails, generating a spectrum of dissonant and ethereal sounds. Percussion instruments are played in unconventional ways, using unconventional objects for striking and exploring unusual rhythmic patterns.
Throughout the piece, Oliveros utilizes tape manipulation techniques to further expand the sonic palette. Recorded sounds are looped, reversed, sped up, slowed down, and layered upon themselves, creating a complex web of textures and timbres that constantly evolve and shift.
Structure and Improvisation:
Although “The Great Learning” has a defined structure, it is heavily reliant on improvisation. The musicians are given specific guidelines and sonic parameters to work within, but they are encouraged to explore their own individual voices and respond spontaneously to the evolving soundscape. This approach creates a sense of unpredictability and liveness in the performance, ensuring that no two renditions of the piece are ever exactly alike.
The structure of “The Great Learning” can be divided into distinct sections:
- Opening: A haunting and ethereal prelude featuring extended violin techniques and manipulated tape sounds.
- Developing Textures: The prepared piano enters with percussive outbursts, introducing a sense of rhythmic complexity and jarring contrast to the initial atmosphere.
- Improvisational Dialogue: Extended solos and improvisations from each instrument unfold, engaging in a continuous dialogue and interplay of sound.
- Crescendo and Climax: The intensity builds gradually as the musicians explore the full range of their instruments and techniques, culminating in a powerful climax characterized by dense textures and dramatic shifts in dynamics.
The Role of Deep Listening:
Oliveros’s concept of Deep Listening is integral to the experience of “The Great Learning.” She believed that listening was an active and participatory process, requiring full attention and engagement with the sonic environment. The piece encourages listeners to slow down, tune into subtle details, and embrace the unconventional sounds as part of a larger, interconnected whole.
Impact and Legacy:
“The Great Learning” has had a significant impact on the world of experimental music. It expanded the possibilities of instrumental sound production, demonstrating the creative potential of extended techniques and improvisation. Oliveros’s commitment to Deep Listening continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike, prompting them to engage with music in a more profound and meaningful way.
By embracing unconventional sounds and encouraging active listening, “The Great Learning” offers a unique and rewarding experience that challenges preconceptions about what constitutes music. It is a testament to Pauline Oliveros’s visionary spirit and her enduring legacy as a pioneer of experimental sound.