Wabi, sometimes also known as wabi-sabi, is an aesthetic foundation of the Japanese tea ceremony. Begun in the 15th century by Murata Shuko and later perfected by Sen Rikyu, it is manifest in the traditional Japanese arts associated with the Way of Tea (Morris, 2003). The approximate English translation of wabi is "rustic." The true meaning however, is much more complex; obscured in layers of cultural and spiritual understanding. Wabi embodies a lack of sophistication, simplicity, and emphasizes natural forms and the inherent beauty of imperfection. There is a close relationship between wabi style Tea and the teachings of Zen. As such, wabi is something that is felt rather than understood and clearly articulated.

This paper draws lines between the wabi aesthetic and contemporary music composition, specifically addressing the composition of "the open work" as defined by Umberto Eco, experimental music, ambient music and in general, genres that place an importance on listening in the moment. This includes music that employs acousmatics and music composed through processes of repetition and bottom-up synthesis. These create a duality of composer and listener, where individual perceptions allow both individuals to control, or surrender to the work. The wabi aesthetic provides additional insight to questions concerning the nature of music and noise, and points to a deeper understanding of musical poetics involving the immersive, the ethereal, and the emergent.



Author Bio
Norbert Herber grew up in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. At 16, he began his musical career as a jazz saxophonist, trading sets with the swing-tenor legend Irv Williams. His love of jazz and improvised music led him to arranging and composition, where he developed an interest in creating music for interactive systems and extended, nonlinear performance.

His research is focused on the use of audio in interactive environments, nonlinear and experimental music composition, and the effects of the sound+picture relationship in both linear and nonlinear media.

His works have been performed/exhibited in the Vox Novus 60 x 60 concert series, ICMC 2004, the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, China; and can be heard at www.vonflashenstein.com and www.mollyz.net.

Norbert is appointed as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Telecommunications at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is co-author of "Flash MX 2004 Savvy" and the critically acclaimed "Flash MX Savvy" (Sybex).