Question

9 Beet Stretch, by Scandinavian sound artist Leif Inge, is a soundscape made of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, first composed in 1824. The source recording, a Naxos recording conducted by Bela Drahos with the Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, has been stretched to a duration of 24 hours, creating a unique and immersive auditory experience. Which of the following best describes the artistic intention behind Leif Inge's 9 Beet Stretch project?

a. Transforming Beethoven's classical composition into a modern, experimental piece, aiming to challenge the traditional boundaries of time and sound perception in contemporary music.

b. Paying homage to Beethoven's iconic 9th Symphony by preserving its original composition while exploring the depths of human perception and emotional resonance through an extended auditory journey.

c. Redefining the experience of classical music by emphasizing the temporal and spatial dimensions of sound, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in an expansive and meditative exploration of Beethoven's timeless masterpiece.

d. Creating a dynamic and interactive sonic installation that encourages audience engagement and participation, encouraging individuals to reflect on the interplay between tradition and innovation in the realm of musical expression.

Answer 1

Leif Inge's 9 Beet Stretch project aims to reinterpret Beethoven's 9th Symphony as a modern, experimental soundscape by stretching it to 24 hours, challenging the conventional experience of music and engaging with the history of avant-garde composers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The artistic intention behind Leif Inge's 9 Beet Stretch project is best described as transforming Beethoven's classical composition into a modern, experimental piece, aiming to challenge the traditional boundaries of time and sound perception in contemporary music.

This description aligns with option (a), which emphasizes the transformation of a classical work into an experimental soundscape that explores new ways of experiencing music. Leif Inge does this by stretching out Beethoven's 9th Symphony to last 24 hours, thus creating a new and immersive auditory experience that encourages listeners to interact with the iconic piece in a radically different temporal context.

Throughout history, composers like Arnold Schoenberg and avant-garde musicians have pushed the boundaries of classical music by experimenting with form and expectations, and Leif Inge's project continues this tradition of innovation. The stretched symphony invites a deep, meditative interaction with the music, setting it apart from the traditional concert experience, and by doing so, it creates a bridge between the past and the present, reshaping the listener's relationship with a timeless masterpiece.