Testament: A Conduction Collection/Conduction #22

Documenta: Gloves & Mitts Documenta 9, Kassel, Germany; June 14, 1992 Christian Marclay, turntables; Lê Quan Ninh, percussion; J. A. Deane, trombone, live sampling; Martin Schütz, cellos; Günter Müller, drums, electronics Conducting is no longer a mere method for an interpretation, but an actual part of the process of composition. Conduction is a means by which a conductor may compose, (re)orchestrate, (re)arrange and sculpt both notated and non-notated music. Using a vocabulary of signs and gestures, many within the general glossary of traditional conducting, the conductor may alter or initiate rhythm, melody, and harmony; develop form and structure; and instantaneously change articulation, phrasing, and meter. Conduction is a viable musical tool for the improvising ensemble.                                                                —Butch Morris “Testament challenges not only conductors’ orthodoxy but the very vitals of music and music-making-no tradition is left untouched