Re: Unsettling Ambiences

[future perfect <artmusic@gte.net>]

Hi, everyone- I'm Misha, the other member of 'Future Perfect' (ambient,
prog-ish, renaissan-cy Florida duo), and I've been reading the recent
posts of musical descriptions, audience reactions, 'our art in the
world' etc., and dug up this quote from a favorite author, which I
thought may spark further discussion:
        "Bringing back the gift to integrate it into a rational life is 
very
difficult. It is even more difficult than going down into the
underworld. What you have to bring back is something that the world
lacks- which is why you went there to get it- and lacking it, the world
does not know that it needs it. And, so on the return, when you come
with your boon for the world and there is no reception, what are you
going to do? There are three possible reactions.
        One answer is to say, 'To hell with them, I'm going back to the 
woods'.
You buy yourself and dog and a pipe and you let the weeds grow in the
gate. You have come back to the world with your gift, and people look at
you with glassy eyes, call you a 'kook', and so you retreat. This is
refusal of the return.
        The second way is to say, 'What do they want?' You have a skill. 
You
can give them what they want, the commercial way. Then you have created
a whole pitch for your expressivity, and what you had before gets lost.
You have a public career, and you have renounced the jewel.
        The third possibility is to try to find some aspect of the domain 
into
which you have come that can receive a little portion of what you have
to give. You try to find a means to deliver what you have found as the
life boon in terms and in proportions that are proper to the world's
ability to receive. It requires a good deal of compassion and patience.
Look for cracks in the wall and give only to those who are ready for
your jewel." ~ Joseph Campbell

Misha
-- 
********************************************************************* 
'Future Perfect' - progressive art music - visit our website at:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/8082 
'If you don't know where you're going, 
you'll probably get there.' - Robert Fripp