Music Women
Pauline Oliveros recorded in a cistern; Deep Listening!
Pauline Oliveros lived the philosophy and practice of Deep Listening. And that is the name of her innovative 1989 album. Deep Listening featured Pauline Oliveros on accordion, trombone music by Stuart Dempster, and vocals by Panaiotis. They became known as the Deep Listening Band.
The album Deep Listening was recorded in a cistern, released on New Albion, and changed ambient music forever. The cistern was an instrument of its own, supplying massive reverb; notes the artists played seemed to be suspended in midair. The band could then add additional notes, creating big clouds of sound.
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The making of music and the enjoyment of music were essential elements to the life of Pauline Oliveros. Her listening techniques were called “sonic awareness.” She created her music using principles of improvisation, electronic music, ritual, teaching and meditation.
Pauline Oliveros was a pioneer in electronic music, its creation and its appreciation. She contributed sixty years of deep, weird, beautiful music.
Pauline Oliveros and Deep Listening are recognized by National Public Radio and the Lincoln Center in “Turning the Tables,” a series honoring great albums by women. Details in the story were provided by Geeta Dayal, NPR contributor.
