INDEX
Blessing the Endless Existence of Androids and AI in a World Approaching its End
After the intermission, it’s finally time for the performance of “MIRROR.” In his comments featured in the visitor’s brochure, Shibuya expresses the intention behind creating this work as follows:
The world is steadily heading towards its end. This work is comprised of simulations and variations of that end and what comes after. (Omitted portion) Even if the world were to end, wouldn’t it be beautiful if the process and what follows were beautiful? Isn’t it something humans can do now to celebrate the endless existence of androids and AI? Isn’t presenting that on stage something a composer can do amidst the concept of coming to an end?
“MIRROR” is a dense work that saturates the viewer’s information processing capabilities. It includes orchestral performances, chants by four monks from Koyasan, movements by Alter 4 accompanied by poignant melodies, projected visuals on screens, and translated subtitles questioning “What is human? What is emotion? What is the difference between machines and humans?” in almost all lyrics. Watching, listening, and feeling this, we contemplate what Shibuya and others present as “music after the end of the world.” Emotions conflict between wanting to completely immerse oneself and wondering if it’s okay not to think at all when provided with such rich material.
