The Great Learning (Learning) by Pauline Oliveros Embraces Sonic Textures and Drone Explorations

“The Great Learning (Learning),” a pivotal work in experimental music history, exemplifies Pauline Oliveros’ innovative approach to sound and embodiment. Composed in 1987, the piece invites listeners into a realm of sonic textures and drone explorations, challenging conventional notions of musical structure and melody.

Pauline Oliveros, a pioneering figure in American avant-garde music, dedicated her career to expanding the boundaries of listening and perception. Her deep interest in Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism and Zen, profoundly influenced her approach to composition. This influence is evident in “The Great Learning (Learning),” where she employs extended techniques, ambient soundscapes, and meditative drones to create a sonic environment conducive to introspection and contemplation.

The piece derives its title from the Confucian text “The Great Learning,” which emphasizes self-cultivation and the pursuit of wisdom. Oliveros’ interpretation reflects this theme by inviting listeners to actively engage with the music, becoming participants in a sonic journey rather than passive observers.

Structural Framework and Sonic Exploration:

Unlike traditional Western music with its emphasis on melodies, harmonies, and formal structures, “The Great Learning (Learning)” adopts a more fluid and improvisational approach. The piece is structured around extended drones created using sustained tones played on instruments like bowed cymbals, harmonium, and amplified bowls. These drones form the sonic backdrop, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their hypnotic quality.

Layered over these drones are subtle textural variations and percussive elements. Oliveros often employed unconventional techniques, such as bowing wine glasses or scraping metal objects against resonating surfaces, to create unique timbres and textures. This exploration of sound beyond traditional instruments underscores her commitment to expanding the sonic palette of experimental music.

Embodiment and Active Listening:

Central to Oliveros’ philosophy is the concept of “deep listening,” a practice that encourages listeners to become fully present with the sounds around them, embracing both internal and external auditory experiences. In “The Great Learning (Learning),” this concept manifests through the use of silence and dynamic shifts. Moments of quietude punctuate the droning textures, inviting reflection and allowing listeners to tune into subtle sonic nuances they might otherwise miss.

Oliveros believed that music could be a catalyst for personal transformation, promoting self-awareness and interconnectedness. “The Great Learning (Learning)” serves as a sonic meditation, encouraging listeners to delve into their own inner landscapes while simultaneously connecting with the shared experience of sound.

Historical Context and Legacy:

“The Great Learning (Learning)” emerged during a period of significant experimentation in contemporary music. Composers like John Cage, La Monte Young, and Terry Riley were exploring new sonic territories through minimalism, drone-based music, and the integration of non-musical sounds. Oliveros’ work built upon these foundations while incorporating her unique philosophical perspective and innovative approach to sound exploration.

Her influence on subsequent generations of experimental musicians is undeniable. Her emphasis on deep listening, improvisation, and sonic meditation continues to resonate in the works of contemporary artists exploring the boundaries of sound and perception.

Table: Notable Characteristics of “The Great Learning (Learning)”

Characteristic	Description
Structural Framework	Fluid and improvisational
Sonic Palette	Extended drones, textural variations, percussive elements
Instruments Used	Bowed cymbals, harmonium, amplified bowls, unconventional sound sources
Philosophical Influence	Confucianism, Buddhism, Zen
Concept of Listening	Deep listening, active participation

“The Great Learning (Learning)” serves as a testament to Pauline Oliveros’ visionary approach to music. This groundbreaking work invites us to embrace the transformative power of sound, encouraging introspection, contemplation, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.