The divide BASIL RAMSEY struggling with the Virtual Orchestra Ottava    01-005

Tonal language allied to a myriad disciplines adding or subtracting elements continues to thrive with no apparent plot to destroy it or make it illegal. American Jerry Gerber, like many composers, writes this way, although Symphony No 4 is voiced through the Virtual Orchestra. This to me is a deterrent: by losing natural sounds which are the basis of all music brought to life by artists. I take no issue with those who disagree. The sounds give me no pleasure, either singly or in ensemble, which unavoidably derives me of the enjoyment I take in live music-making.

In Gerber's music there is plentiful variation of rhythmic and textual matters, and the music drives and develops in the hands of a good technician [listen -- track 3, 2:11-3:11]. There's less to catch my ear as strong music shaped by a composer developing it with a passion that entraps listeners and holds them in his grip. But I'm sure my mind is really pitching me against the electronic medium.

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