Temporal Voice and Classical Object

Interactive Performance,
Turntables, mixer, computer, large screen projection

Temporal Voice and Classical Object is a video performance that plays with the resonance of classical opera in this time of “Nobrow” culture marketing. Classically trained singers have been recorded serenading their favorite Laser Dunks, Technics 1200s, or PSPs with Italian and Latin arias. The resulting video and audio are then “scratched” or re-mixed using computer-modified turntables.

Via this turntable manipulation, the videos are manually slowed down and using a careful back and forth scratching motion. Heavy breathing and subtle seductive gestures are revealed: The singers are serenading their favorite “cool” objects, but who is seducing who? The viewer may at first assume these young singers are engaging each other until a slow pull- back reveals that the objects of their affection are just objects.

First performed in 2006 at the Berrie Center Theater in Mahwah, New Jersey, Temporal Voice is a portable and expandable interactive performance, installation, and object that can be scaled to nearly any space.