benjamin thigpen

         
       
            headtransplantexperiment  
 
compositions
  paths 2011
  turn 2010
  still 2009
  shift 2009
  head transplant experiment 2008
  malfunction30931 2007
  undertow 2006
  brief candle 2005
  0.95652173913 2005
  incandescence 2003
  espoir 2003
  balagan 2001
  not even the rain 2000
  step,under 1998
  dust 1997
  ashes,ashes 1996
  h 1995
  appel 1995
  dédale 1994
  études au mouvant, 2e livre 1994
performance  
CDs  
         
           
 
head transplant experiment
    2008
     
for solo computer
duration : 15'00 (approx.)
     
 


Live at Radio France
9 February 2008
(excerpt ~4-9 min.)


Every moment you are born, decay and die.
– Buddha

   
           

A poster-sized photo, black and white, grainy, dim, obscure. One can distinguish the head and upper body of a monkey. Around the monkey's neck is a heavy metal band with bolts; protruding from it are various tubes and wires. On the monkey's face is an expression of immeasurable, unspeakable agony.

Below, in enormous black capitals: HEAD TRANSPLANT EXPERIMENT.

Vacchagotta comes to the Buddha and asks: “Venerable Gotama, is there a Soul/Self?” The Buddha is silent. “Then Venerable Gotama, is there no Soul/Self?” Again the Buddha is silent. Vacchagotta gets up and goes away.

Comissioned by Ina/GRM 2008.
Instrument developent and composition at GRM and at STEIM.