The mad scientist of music | Mark Applebaum
In an engaging TED Talk titled "The mad scientist of music," Mark Applebaum takes the audience through his unconventional approach to music composition, exploring the themes of boredom and creativity. He opens the presentation with a humorous account of his personal experiences and a confession of his boredom with traditional music roles. This admission sets the stage for a unique exploration of how boredom can lead to innovative ideas and experimentation in music.
Applebaum, a distinguished composer, encourages us to rethink the very definition of music. He argues that rather than adhering to conventional standards, it is essential for creatives to ask: "Is it interesting?" rather than "Is it music?" This shift in focus allows him to embrace diverse roles such as composer, interpreter, inventor, and performance artist, ultimately broadening the scope of what can be considered music.
Throughout his talk, Applebaum showcases his own compositions, revealing instruments of his own creation, including one he humorously refers to as the "Mouseketeer." He illustrates the experimental nature of his work by detailing projects like multi-dimensional scores that challenge traditional notation and invite interpretation from performers. The audience is treated to musically dense moments where he plays with soundscapes that deviate from familiar structures, making the performance itself a participatory experience rather than a passive one.
Applebaum’s philosophy is underlined by his rejection of norms; he embraces the idea that creativity can thrive outside conventional boundaries. He concludes with an encouragement to the audience to delve into their own fields with a spirit of exploration, challenging them to redefine their questions about their work's essence.
This talk not only highlights Applebaum's work as a composer but also serves as a call to action for artists across disciplines to embrace innovation, collaboration, and the sometimes chaotic beauty of creativity. For anyone interested in music, composition, or the arts more broadly, his insights resonate humorously while inspiring a revaluation of what music can be.
What are your thoughts on the boundaries of music and creativity? Have you ever felt bored by the conventions of your own field? Let's discuss!