A Neglected Musical Instrument

This volume brings together scholars and artist-researchers to explore the nature and function of musical instruments in creative practices, and their role in musical culture. Through historical, theoretical, critical, practical-artistic perspectives and case studies, the contributors here examine identities and affordances of acoustical, electronic and digital musical instruments, the kinds of relationships that composers and performers establish with them, and the crucial role they play in the emergence of musical experiences and meanings.

In Japanese culture the concept of katachi has special significance, connoting relationships and connectedness. Although katachi cannot be translated precisely, it corresponds most closely to "form," "shape," "pattern," or "Gestalt". The contemporary study of katachi is interdisciplinary and encompasses virtually all scientific and aesthetic endeavors. Katachi research seeks to bridge the gap between cultures - whether the "two cultures" of C.P. Snow or the contrasting cultures of East and West. To help achieve this aim and to foster international cooperation, the interdisciplinary symposium titled "Katachi "U" Symmetry" was convened in Tsukuba, Japan, November 21 - 25, 1994. With many participants from differing backgrounds and cultural perspectives, the symposium was the culmination of 15 years of work in the field. Like-minded researchers and philosophers came together from two movements in interdisciplinary studies of katachi and symmetry that arose in the 1980s, one in Japan, the other in Hungary. The proceedings of the symposium will stimulate and provoke the interest of scientists and mathematicians, engineers and architects, philosophers and semioticians - indeed, all those with a lively sense of curiosity and a wide-ranging intellect.

Luis Senarens' 'The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent' is a pioneering work of science fiction that follows the adventures of the ingenious inventor Frank Reade, Jr. as he embarks on a daring exploration of a mysterious new continent. Set in the late 19th century, the book combines elements of adventure, exploration, and technological innovation, drawing readers into a world of steampunk marvels and fantastical landscapes. Senarens' literary style is marked by vivid descriptions, intricate plot twists, and a keen sense of imagination, making 'The Abandoned Country' a captivating read for fans of the genre. The novel reflects the cultural fascination with exploration and discovery during the Victorian era, contributing to the broader literary context of science fiction and adventure fiction of the time. Luis Senarens, a prolific writer of dime novels and pulp fiction, drew inspiration from the popular tropes of his day to create this groundbreaking work, showcasing his creativity and storytelling prowess. I recommend 'The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent' to readers who enjoy immersive world-building, high-stakes adventures, and imaginative storytelling that pushes the boundaries of traditional fiction.

"The art of writing badly" is a phrase the Russian writer Valentin Kataev coined to describe the work that came out of the mauvist movement in Russia-a style of writing that consciously challenged Soviet dogma. In this book, Richard Borden discusses the cultural and political context from which these authors emerged and the development of "bad writing." Beginning with a close examination of the work of Kataev, the best-known progenitor of "bad writing," Borden then broadens his study to include the "mauvist creations" of post-Stalinist writers Aksenov, Bitov, Sokolov, Limonov, Evgeny Popov, and Venedikt Erofeev. Borden shows how these writers' shared mauvistic characteristics reveal major philosophical and aesthetic tendencies in contemporary Russian culture, bring to light facets of their writing that have never been discussed, and enrich the readings of the particular texts under discussion.