Chinese Opera, Tom Phillips's "Irma", Robert Ashley, Salvatore Martirano's "L's GA", Anthony Braxton, Wayang Kulit, Fluxus and Dada, Dennis Palmer of the Shaking Ray Levis, Cornelius Cardew, ROVA Sax Quartet, Zorn's Cobra, Frank Zappa, Sun Ra.
Performance features Tom Duff as Norton I; Tim Thompson on live video; and Chris Brown, Kristin Miltner, and Wobbly doing live sampling. (September 19, 2009 during the San Francisco Electronic Music Festival at Brava Theater, San Francisco, CA.) Video by Gino Robair.
Performance features Tom Duff, with Divination score, as Emperor Norton. Polly Moller plays bass flute. (June 21, 2009 at Garden of Memory 2009, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA.) Video by Gino Robair.
Performance features Tom Duff, as Emperor Norton, working with Divination score. Polly Moller plays bass flute. (June 21, 2009 at Garden of Memory 2009, Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, CA.) Video by Gino Robair.
"At the request of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton declare myself Emperor."
So began the proclamation by which Joshua Norton, on September 17, 1859, became Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. The first of many proclamations, it was published nearly 10 years after Norton landed in San Francisco to make his fortune from the Gold Rush. During his 20-year reign, Norton I abolished Congress, decreed bridges be built between Oakland and San Francisco, enjoyed free passage by rail and ship, printed and used his own money, and corresponded with kings, queens, and presidents. Among the literary works to immortalize Norton I are Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn and Robert Louis Stevenson's The Wrecker. Yet few people remember the one and only Emperor of the United States.
I, Norton is a kit that can be performed by any number of people and assembled in a unique way for each performance. The literary elements behind the work are the writings attributed to Norton I, as well as "fraudulent decrees" published in contemporary newspapers to cash in on the Emperor's notoriety. The words, letters, rhythms, and structure of the texts are prepared in a variety of ways and used as source material by each performer.
In performance, I, Norton takes the shape of an improvised collage structure that combines conduction (using hand cues), graphic scores, memory-based improvisational structures, and fully notated works. The opera can be performed by a handful of people or a large ensemble.
The score can be interpreted by artists from any media, such as video and dance. Although it includes text-based material for speakers and singers, a realization of the opera can be completely instrumental. The piece does not require staging, sets, lights, or costumes. It is meant to be performed anywhere, anytime.
The Sea Organ (morske orgulje) is located on the shores of Zadar, Croatia, and is the world’s first pipe organ that is played by the sea. Underneath, there are 35 pipes with whistle openings on the sidewalk.
The movement of the sea pushes air through, and – depending on the size and velocity of the wave – musical chords are played. The waves create random harmonic sounds.
My wife and I got to see I, Norton performed in Miami at Subtropics 18, and we really enjoyed it. The performers also had a great time, which we confirmed by talking to some of them after the show. I love the idea of "directed improvisation" (if I may call it that). This performance was a real influence on me.
Also, the story of Emperor Norton is quite amusing. What a character! The most entertaining American history lesson I've ever had.
I like this emperor much better than the current one! Norton wasn't nearly as delusional, had concrete ideas, was his own man and inspired literate people.
