‘Crippled Symmetry’ to transform Storrs Salon

Friday, February 1, 2013

The College of Arts + Architecture’s Digital Arts Center will present the interactive sound-space performance of Morton Feldman’s “Crippled Symmetry” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Storrs Building Salon.

Feldman, who was influenced by abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, called his vast and hypnotic compositions “evolving things.” His best-known work “Crippled Symmetry” creates an ethereal sound-world with vibraphone, glockenspiel, celesta, piano and flutes.

Using the height and gabled skylights of the Storrs Salon, the Digital Arts Center will project visualizations, responsive to the music and ambient sounds, onto the ceiling. The audience will experience these interwoven sights and sounds while reclining on lounge chairs arranged throughout the space.

“Crippled Symmetry” represents Feldman’s fascination with the idea of indeterminacy and the process of performance. In this work, performances by three musicians become unsynchronized, creating unexpected and asymmetrical patterns. Feldman likened these patterns that change and morph ever so slightly throughout the composition to memory: what can be recalled, recognized or undetermined?

The musical performance, part of the College of Arts + Architecture’s Fresh Ink music series, features percussionist Scott Christian. Admission is free.