The Cardew Object

The Cardew Object workshop on April 10th was part of a "celebration of British avant-garde composer Cornelius Cardew," according to the event's poster. The goal of Cardew and the event was to create an open, improvisational environment where participants respond musically to image and discussion-based prompts. For example, one group improvised and interpretation of the painting "Starry Night," changing how they played as the computer cursor moved from left to right across the painting on the screen. Discussion prompts were questions like, "what does embarrassment sound like?" Instruments played included ukulele, prepared guitar, and a wide assortment of percussion and toys. It was very disorganized, chaotic, and nonmusical, and it was difficult to discern what was even happening. When asked what he thought of the proceedings, participant Nick Engel said, "I got nothing." Cardew himself believed that everything he ever created was a failure. Take from that what you will.