Usually a quiet place, the North Plainfield Memorial Library radiated with music from the Renaissance era to modern times during a special concert featuring a unique electronic instrument designed by the performer. The selections played by Don SIepian, one of the best-known and highly respected electronic musicians in the United States, delighted an audience that included infants and seniors.
Slepian put on the show using an electronic keyboard linked to a computer that allowed him to blend a wide variety of instrumental sounds. Through the custom-made apparatus, called a digital sampling keyboard, Slepian played show tunes and masterpieces from Beethoven, Tchalkovsky and John Philip Sousa. "All this magic is done with the feet," he said, referring to the five pedals he pushed down in timely measure. "If I push down one pedal, I get a horn. if I push down another, I get an echo. Then I can combine them together. "My feet act as conductors, mixing instruments together and blending sounds to make many arrangements," Slepian said.
While his distinctive method of mixing a variety of sounds has not gained a foothold in the music industry, Slepian said he anticipates such instruments will be made available to the public in the next several years. A professional musician since 1970, the 40-year-old North Brunswick resident regularly performs in public libraries and schools and at private parties. He also has played for scientific societies, where he explains the technology behind the musical artistry.
For his performance at the library, he veered from dwelling on the technical aspects of his instrument. But immediately afterward, many of the more than 45 spectators surrounded him were asking him about the mechanics of the instrument and trying their own hands at it. "What's unusual about my performances is that this electronic music is live, not pre-programmed," he said. "This is music created in front of people -- and I can take requests. That's what I really enjoy about it. "
Slepian said he revels in the warmth of the crowds he performs . for, and keeps very little equipment between himserf and his listeners. "I like to make my performances personable," he said. A composer, computer programmer and electronics designer, Slepian has had his music broadcast over 215 stations via National Public Radio. Also, the French government commissioned him to create and perform music for the Pompidou Cultural Center in Paris.
