Dream of Emptiness
for shakuhachi and neuro-controlled electronic sound
Info
Dream of Emptiness
composed by Adam Vidiksis
performed by:
Akikazu Nakamura, shakuhachi
Adam Vidiksis, electronics
Live in concert at the International House of Japan
September 28, 2022
Tokyo, Japan
Made possible with support from the Japan-US Friendship Commission (NichiBei Fellowship Program) with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the International House of Japan, and the Tokyo-Tokyo Festival.
Dream of Emptiness merges the tradition of the shakuhachi with real-time monitoring of the performer's EEG brainwave data. As the shakuhachi player improvises, their brainwaves drive the generative electronic soundscape, creating a continuous loop of interaction between human performance and machine-generated sound. The performer is initially asked to improvise freely and meditatively. Once the electronic sound emerges, they are prompted to respond to these sounds, establishing a creative feedback loop between the performer and the brainwave data generated by their actions, as interpreted through the mapping within the electronic sound system. These straightforward instructions and the electronic system itself serve as the score for the piece.
This composition pays homage to the deep-rooted history of the shakuhachi, which arrived in Japan in the early 8th century. In Japan, the instrument became closely associated with the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism, whose monks were known as "monks of emptiness" or "Komusō." The Komusō monks used the shakuhachi not only as a musical instrument but also as a tool for meditation and spiritual practice. They would roam the streets of Japan, playing the shakuhachi as a form of alms begging, with their faces partially concealed by distinctive conical hats symbolizing their detachment from worldly concerns. The music created by the Komusō was deeply introspective and contemplative, aiming to induce a sense of emptiness or "mu" in both the performer and the listener. The term "mu" in Zen Buddhism represents a state of emptiness or nothingness, often sought as a path to enlightenment.
This composition was crafted in close consultation with master shakuhachi player Akikazu Nakamura, for whom the piece was written. It is dedicated to him with deep gratitude for his time and artistry. In Dream of Emptiness, the shakuhachi's ancient tones and evolving electronic textures pay tribute to the historical connection between this instrument and the pursuit of emptiness. This composition invites listeners to explore the intersection between tradition and innovation, as well as the enduring spiritual and meditative qualities of the shakuhachi.
