frank pahl
Four Quartets
May 21–June 18, 2005

Composer, sound artist, musician, and visual artist frank pahl builds “semi-automatic instruments” using tinkertoys, erector sets, rotisseries, popcorn poppers, toy motors, prayer bells, film sound samples, among other everyday objects. These contraptions, and in some cases, “air organs” and an “electric music box”, are triggered and sequenced by sophisticated micro circuitry to automatically perform quartets inspired by the late Elmer Bernstein’s (1922-2004) theme from The Magnificent Seven and music inspired by the late film composer Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996). frank pahl has been active in the experimental music scene for decades, collaborating with the likes of Eugene Chadbourne, Shaking Ray Levis, Klimperei, Only a Mother, and Scavenger Quartet, among many others. Pahl was a member of the prominent 80s ­ early 90s avant folk group, Only a Mother, and received notable attention with his contribution to “Eyesore”, a tribute to The Residents.