Vocarium Reading Series: Douglas Kearney and Tracie Morris & Susie Ibarra | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Nouveau Karyam reading series explores the vast catalog of Packard's recordings, showcasing the use of sound to defy boundaries in various disciplines.

Transcript

welcome to the second event in our nouveau karyam reading series which is named after one of the first poetry recording labels in the country circa 1930s the Harvard velarium recording label and the larger vision of its founder Frederick C Packard jr. for the creation of a quote library of voices of O karyam here at Harvard that would stand in equa... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚨 Packard's Velarium Recording Label recorded in over 15 languages, defying emerging discipline boundaries.
• 😯 Efforts to standardize voices led to the homogenization of speech patterns and the loss of acoustic idiosyncrasies.
• 🥹 The theme of constraint and liberation is explored through the concept of being held captive.
• 🫠 The Nouveau Karyam reading series aims to showcase Packard's extensive catalog and the power of sound.
• ❓ Voice standardization was influenced by major corporations and technological advancements.
• 🔬 The underfunding of Packard's endeavor highlights its immense scope and ambition.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of Packard's Velarium Recording Label?

The label recorded in over 15 languages and used sound to challenge emerging discipline boundaries, showcasing the immersive scope of Packard's shoestring undertaking.

Q: How did efforts to normalize voices impact speech patterns?

The push for voice standardization, by major telephone companies and radio corporations, resulted in the homogenization of speech patterns and the loss of acoustic idiosyncrasies.

Q: How does the concept of holding and being held captive relate to the content?

The introduction mentions the idea of being held captive, which connects to the theme of constraint and suppression of language and expression.

Q: What insights can be gained from the content?

1. Packard's recording label defied emerging disciplinary boundaries through the use of sound.
2. Efforts to standardize voices led to the homogenization of speech patterns.
3. The theme of constraint and liberation is explored in the introduction through the concept of being held captive.
4. The Nouveau Karyam reading series aims to showcase Packard's extensive catalog.
5. The use of sound has the power to challenge and defy boundaries.
6. Voice standardization efforts were influenced by major corporations and technology advancements.
7. The introduction highlights the immense scope and underfunding of Packard's shoestring undertaking.
8. The content emphasizes the importance of preserving and appreciating Packard's recordings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Packard's Velarium Recording Label recorded over 15 languages and defied emerging discipline boundaries through sound.

• The efforts to standardize voices indirectly resulted in the homogenization of speech patterns and acoustic idiosyncrasies.

• The introduction of the honored guests explores the concept of holding and being held captive, highlighting the theme of constraint and liberation.