Meaning: The quote "The idea of 'machine assemblage' is, especially, very alien to my sensibility, since it suggests a relative indifference of the strata to one another during the process of construction" by Brian Ferneyhough, a prominent composer, raises thought-provoking ideas about the nature of construction and composition. In this quote, Ferneyhough seems to be expressing his disconnection from the notion of "machine assemblage" and its implications for the creative process. To understand this quote more deeply, it's important to explore the context of Ferneyhough's work and the broader philosophical and artistic concepts it touches upon.

Brian Ferneyhough is known for his complex and intellectually rigorous compositions, which often push the boundaries of traditional musical forms and structures. His music is characterized by intricate notations, dense textures, and a meticulous attention to detail. As a composer associated with the "New Complexity" movement, Ferneyhough's work is deeply concerned with the relationship between form and content, as well as the role of the performer in interpreting and realizing the music.

In the quote, Ferneyhough appears to be critiquing the concept of "machine assemblage," a term often associated with industrial production and the mechanical construction of objects. By describing this idea as "very alien to my sensibility," he is suggesting a fundamental disconnect between the mechanistic approach implied by "machine assemblage" and his own artistic sensibilities. The notion of "relative indifference of the strata to one another during the process of construction" further underscores his resistance to a method of creation that implies a lack of meaningful interaction or integration between the various elements involved.

This quote can be interpreted as a rejection of a purely mechanistic or algorithmic approach to composition. Ferneyhough's music is known for its intricacy and depth, and it is clear that he values the nuanced relationships between different musical elements. The idea of "machine assemblage" may evoke a sense of uniformity or homogeneity that is antithetical to Ferneyhough's creative vision. For him, the process of construction is not characterized by indifference or detachment but rather by a profound engagement with the intricate layers and strata that form the fabric of his compositions.

Furthermore, Ferneyhough's disavowal of "machine assemblage" can be seen as a broader commentary on the nature of creativity and artistic expression. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, the concept of "machine assemblage" resonates with the idea of standardization and the mechanized reproduction of cultural artifacts. By distancing himself from this notion, Ferneyhough reaffirms the importance of individual agency, subjectivity, and the human touch in the creative process.

In conclusion, Brian Ferneyhough's quote encapsulates his resistance to the idea of "machine assemblage" and its implications for the construction of artistic works. By expressing his aversion to the relative indifference and mechanistic connotations associated with this concept, Ferneyhough reaffirms the depth, complexity, and humanistic sensibility that underpin his approach to composition. This quote invites us to reflect on the nature of creativity, the role of technology in artistic production, and the enduring value of individual expression and engagement in the construction of meaning.