Meaning: The quote "I have problems with machines which aren't gestural" by Luc Ferrari, a pioneering French composer of contemporary classical music and electronic music, reflects his perspective on the interaction between human expression and technology. In this quote, Ferrari expresses his frustration with machines that lack a sense of gesture or physical expression, emphasizing the importance of human touch and movement in the creative process. This quote offers insight into Ferrari's approach to music composition and his views on the role of technology in artistic expression.

Luc Ferrari was a prominent figure in the development of electroacoustic music, a genre that combines electronic sounds and traditional instruments to create innovative compositions. Throughout his career, Ferrari explored the possibilities of technology in music, but he also maintained a deep appreciation for the human element in artistic creation. His quote about having problems with non-gestural machines suggests that he valued the tactile and expressive qualities of music-making, and he may have found it challenging to connect with purely mechanical or automated processes.

Ferrari's emphasis on gestural expression in music aligns with the broader philosophical and aesthetic principles of the musique concrète movement, of which he was a key figure. Musique concrète, which emerged in the mid-20th century, sought to explore the potential of recorded sounds as raw material for composition. This approach emphasized the manipulation of sound sources and the transformation of everyday noises into musical elements. Within this context, Ferrari's insistence on gestural interaction with machines can be seen as a reaction against purely mechanized or algorithmic approaches to music creation.

The concept of gestural music also has implications for the relationship between performers and their instruments. In traditional acoustic music, the physical gestures of musicians play a significant role in shaping the expressive qualities of the music. Ferrari's quote suggests that he carried this emphasis on gesture into the realm of electronic and electroacoustic music, where the manipulation of sound through technology also involves physical movements and tactile interactions. For Ferrari, the gestural quality of music-making may have been essential for conveying emotion and creativity, regardless of the tools and technologies involved.

In the context of contemporary digital music production, Ferrari's perspective on gestural machines carries relevance for discussions about the role of human agency in a technologically mediated creative process. As digital audio workstations and software-based instruments continue to shape the landscape of music production, the question of how to preserve and integrate gestural expression remains pertinent. Ferrari's quote prompts consideration of how technology can either enhance or detract from the tactile, physical, and expressive aspects of music creation.

In summary, Luc Ferrari's quote "I have problems with machines which aren't gestural" encapsulates his stance on the relationship between human expression and technology in music composition. It reflects his commitment to the tactile and gestural qualities of music-making, signaling a resistance to purely mechanized or non-interactive approaches. Ferrari's perspective resonates with the broader ethos of musique concrète and invites contemplation on the role of gesture and physicality in the creative use of technology in music.