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PLATO & the Western Tradition

by PLATO & the Western Tradition

PLATO & the Western Tradition is a Postmodern Improvisation Ensemble that has been recording real-time improvisations using electronic and acoustic instruments since 1988. The founders and core members are David K. Barton of South Bend, Indiana, and Boyd Nutting of Niles, Michigan. As of December 4, 2016, we have recorded 4,054 improvisations, and would like to share our music.PLATO & The Western Tradition invites others in the Electronic Music Community to participate in the creation of an on-line compilation called “Weaving Indra’s Net”. Here are the “rules”:1. Download from http://www.soundcloud.com/plato-3 any of the improvisations by PLATO & The Western Tradition that capture your attention.2. Use some or all of what you download as a part of your own music making.3. Post your piece to SoundCloud, and post the SoundCloud link on Plato’s FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/PLATOandTheWesternTradition4. Please comply with our Creative Commons attribution requirement (see http://cre

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Episodes

  1. PLATO No. 11319 Theophanic Etude

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 22, 2026, Koper, Slovenia. PLATO, No. 1191, ”Headbangers’ Ball” (David, & Boyd Nutting 10-14-02) 26:05-39:05, 32:43- 45:43.

  2. PLATO No. 11318 Velagoric

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 21, 2026, Adriatic Sea between Dubrovnik and Zadar, Croatia. PLATO, No. 1181a: 00:06-13:06; with PLATO, No. 1181b: 30:19-43:19, “Megalith 7, parts 1 & 2” (David, Boyd Nutting, & John Richez 7-23-02).

  3. PLATO No. 11317 Kenosis

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 20, 2026, Dubrovnik, Croatia. PLATO, No. 1171, “Mentor” (David, & John Richez, 6-7-02) 00:14-13:14, 13:14-26:14.

  4. PLATO No. 11316 Hineni

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 19, 2026, Kotor, Montenegro. PLATO, No. 1161, “Nostalgic Memory” (David, Andrew Lersten, & John Richez, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival XII, No. 1, 5-31-02) 00:05-13:05, 59:48-72:48.

  5. PLATO No. 11315 Apothegm

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 18, 2026, Corfu, Greece. PLATO, No. 1151a: 00:17-13:17; with, 1151b: 00:08-13:08 ,“The Minotaur’s Song, parts 1& 2” (David, Erin Taylor Young, So-Hee Kim, Josh Bonham, & John Richez 3-8-02).

  6. PLATOI No. 11314 Vaelunora

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 17, 2026, Ionian Sea between Valletta, Malta, & Zakynthos, Greece.. PLATO, No. 1141a: 00:06-12:22 Tr -1; with, 1141b: 00:19-13:19, “Whispering in God’s ear, parts 1& 2” (David, Erin Taylor Young, So-Hee Kim, & John Richez 2-1-02).

  7. PLATO No. 11313 Psychelochia

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 16, 2026, Valletta, Malta. PLATO, No. 1131b, “Ludus Puerorum, part 2” (David, Erin Taylor Young, Katie Holtgren, Josh Bonham, & John Richez 11-16-01) 00:00-13:00, 21:18-34:18.

  8. PLATO No. 11312 Exulansis

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 15, 2026, Messina, Italy. PLATO No. 1121, “Wake (for 9/11)” (David, & Josh Bonham, viola, 9-14-01) 00:02-13:02, 11:41-24:41.

  9. PLATO No. 11311 Deep-Time Memories

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1111, “Palimpsest II” (David, solo, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival XI, No. 2, 6-8-01) 00:10-13:10, 53:02-66:02.

  10. PLATO No. 11310 Liminal Time

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1101a, “Gift from the Sea part 1” (David, Erin Taylor Young, & Katie Holtgren 1-19-01) 00:09-13:09, 31:12—44:12.

  11. PLATO No. 11309 Cautionary Tales

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1093, “The Sea of the Philosophers (Laboratorium X)” (David, Boyd Nutting, ‘Vid Grande, Evie Barton, & Scott Hatt 1-19-01) 15:20-28:20, 28:20-41:20.

  12. PLATO No. 11308 Pneuma

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1083a,b & c: “New Directions in Music Ed No. 5-7” (David, & Workshop Participants, MSU Conference, 9-21-00). 1083a: 00:06-13:06, 1083b: 00:03- 13:03, 1083c: 00:02-09:46 Tr -5.

  13. PLATO No. 11307 Anemoia

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1073, “Adrift in the SunBoat” (David, Boyd Nutting, Andrew Lersten,, Dennis Leas, Thierry Kauffmann & Matt Wilken, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival X, No. 12, 6-11-00) 00:03-13:03, 32:33-45:33.

  14. PLATO No. 11306 Apophenia

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 9, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1063, “Dreamscape” (David, solo, 5-31-00) 13:07-26:07, 29:15-42:15.

  15. PLATO No. 11305 Entelechy

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›LIVE-9 (ACE); Accordion Reeds+Voice; PLATO, No. 1053, “The Island of the Nine Reefs” (David, Evie Barton, & ‘Vid Grande 2-19-00) 33:31-46:31; Atelier: ‘Waves in AD.grmtools’...

  16. PLATO No. 11304 Existential Funambulism

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1043, “Philosophical Gas 2” (David, Boyd, & Walter Wright 12-11-99) 13:29-27:99—›Magma plug-in; Atelier: ‘Drone.grmtools’ patch+variations. Boyd: PLATO, No. 0314b, “The...

  17. PLATO No. 11303 Theurgy

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1033, “Ashes & Embers” (David, solo, 10-24-99) 00:01-12:17 Tr -1. Atelier: ‘Waiting.grmtools patch+variations. Boyd: PLATO, No. 0331a, “Protrep-tikos, part 1” (David &...

  18. PLATO No. 11302 Selcouth

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1023, “The Limits of Humility” (David, Chad A. Miller, Charles Daussin, & Dennis Colvin 9-24-99) 30:47-43:47. Atelier: ‘Moonlight Ritour-nelle.grmtools’…

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  19. PLATO No. 11301 Pleroma

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Voice; PLATO, No. 1013, “The Narrative of Limits” (David, & Scott Hatt, 7-18-99) 23:52-36:52. Atelier: ‘Waiting.grmtools’ patch+variations. Boyd: PLATO, No. 1311b,...

  20. PLATO No. 11300 Kataphasis

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded October 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1003, “Little Gidding” (David, & Scott Hatt, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival IX, No. 4, 6-6-99) 00:02-13:02. Atelier: ‘Hippy Sheet.grmtools’ patch+variations....

  21. PLATO No. 11299 Chrysalism

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 7, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1991, “Psychic Faire, No. 7” (David, Boyd Nutting, Mark Wieger, Eric Lester & Dave Dale, 7-10-10) Tr -5; with, PLATO, No. 9308, “Losing Our Place” (David, solo, 7-27-23).

  22. PLATO No. 11298 Ekstasis

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 5, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1981, “Nexus of Grace” (David, & Boyd Nutting 6-30-10) 00:03- 13:03, 13:03-26:03.

  23. PLATO No. 11297 Eutony

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 3, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1971, “Postmodern Saloon Music” (David, & Boyd Nutting 6-9-10) 00:6-12:22, 06:09-18:25 both Tr -1.

  24. PLATO No. 11296 Nepenthe

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded October 1, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1961, “The Cathedral of Remembrance” (David, ‘solo, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival XX, No. 19, 5-23-10) 00:12-12:28, 02:19-14:35 both Tr -1.

  25. PLATO No. 11295 Fantastic Voyage

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 30, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1951, “Exploring Inner Space” (David, ‘Vid Grande (oboe), & Gary Kowalski, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival XX, No. 9, 5-22-10) 00:06- 13:06, 13:06-26:06.

  26. PLATO No. 11294 Epopteia

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 29, 2026, PLATO’sPilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1941, “Not Intelligent Techno” (David, & Boyd Nutting 5-19-10) 00:03-12:19, 08:59-21:15, both Tr -1.

  27. PLATO No. 11293 Apocatatasis

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›LIVE-9; PLATO, No. 1931, “The Middle Way” (David, Manuel Ortiz, & Matt Mitchell 4-23-10) 00:01-13:01; Atelier: Waiting.gmtools. Boyd: Radius Electronics—›Processors…

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  28. PLATO No. 11292 Hierosolyma

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›LIVE-9; PLATO, No. 1921, “Silicon Incubus” (David & Boyd 3-31-10) 00:11-13:11; Atelier: Lily of the Valley.gmtools. Boyd: PLATO, No. 1992, “Psychic Faire 8” (David, Mark...

  29. PLATO No. 11291 Dendrolatry

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1901, “Five Degrees of Separation”, (Boyd, & Mark Wieger 3-11-10) 00:00-13:00; Atelier: Transfiguration.gmtools. Boyd: Radius Electronics—›Processors+SERGE—›VCV...

  30. PLATO No. 11290 Hurkle-Durkle

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+LIVE-9; PLATO, No. 1911, “Not the Pied Piper” (David & Boyd 3-31-10) 00:11-13:01—›MAGMA+FAUVE—›HALO plug-ins. Boyd: Radius Electronics—›Processors+SERGE—›VCV...

  31. PLATO No. 11289 Immersive Phytomediation

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1981, “Nexus 0f Grace” (David & Boyd 6-30-10) 00:03-13:03—›MAGMA+HALO plug-ins. Boyd: SERGE—›VCV Electronics; PLATO, No. 2289, “Dancing MoonDogs” (David & Boyd...

  32. PLATO No. 11288 Sempiternal Nemophilists

    Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded September 28, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+LIVE-9; PLATO, No. 1881, “…in omen terram” (David & Boyd 2-3-10) 00:01-13:01—›HALO plug-in. Boyd: Guitar—›Processors; PLATO, No. 1812, “Subliminal Horizon” (David…

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  33. PLATO No. 11287 Rebarbative Harmonies

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 27, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1872, “Triadic Memories” (David, & Boyd Nutting 1-15-10) 13:09-26:09, 29:32-49:32.

  34. PLATO No. 11286 Enhanced Noise

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 26, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1862, “Meta-Acoustic Chaos” (David, & Boyd Nutting 12-16-09) 00:02-13:02, 35:21-48:21.

  35. PLATO No. 11285 Ears Wide Open 2

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 26, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1852, “Absence of EarLids” (David, & Boyd Nutting 12-2-09) 00:05-13:05, 29:20-42:20.

  36. PLATO No. 11284 ICEmen in Brambles

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 25, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1814, “Madmen in the Woods” (David, Boyd Nutting, & Julie Soales 10-7-09) 13:05-26:05, 34:02-47:02.

  37. PLATO No. 11283 Sonic Environment

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 24, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1831, “Acoustic Ecology” (David, & Boyd Nutting 10-28-09) 00:05-12:21, 08:59-21:15 both Tr -1.

  38. PLATO No. 11282 Theremin Etude

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 24, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1822, “Tuning the Psychic Faire” (David, & Boyd Nutting 10-17-09) 13:05-26:05, 36:35-49:35.

  39. PLATO No. 11281 Hallucinating Chatbots

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 23, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1811 “Inscrutable Oracle” (David, & Boyd Nutting 9-23-09) 00:06-13:06, 13:06-26:06.

  40. PLATO No. 11280 Attenuated by Distance

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 23, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1801, “Inaudible Horizons” (David, Boyd Nutting, Chris Dutrieux, & Andrew Jackson 9-9-09) 00:02-12:18, 18:14-30:30 both Tr -1.

  41. PLATO No. 11279 Entangled Memes

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 23, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1792, “The Undergrowth of the Psyche” (David, & Boyd Nutting 8-12-09) 00:10-12:26, 05:09-17:26 both Tr -1.

  42. PLATO No. 11278 Virtual Avatars

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 22, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1781, “Living Memories 2” (David, solo, New Gallery 7-3-09) 13:07-26:07, 40:46-53:46.

  43. PLATO No. 11277 Road Trip

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 22, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1771, “On the Road 2” (David, & Boyd Nutting 6-10-09) 08:32-21:32, 21:32-34:32.

  44. PLATO No. 11276 Game of Chance

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 21, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1761, “Casting the Bones” (David, & Boyd Nutting, Michiana Improvisational Music Festival XIX, No. 10, 5-30-09) 00:06- 13:06, 15:03-28:03.

  45. PLATO No. 11275 Nightfall

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 20, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1751, “The Last Sunset” (David, & Boyd Nutting 5-27-09) 16:16- 29:16, 29:16-42:16.

  46. PLATO No. 11274 Chatbots Conversing

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 19, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1741, “Discourse of Spirits” (David, & Boyd Nutting 4-22-09) 00:01-12:17, 10:28-22:44, both Tr -1.

  47. PLATO No. 11273 Extra Time

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 18, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1731, “Moments Ou of Time” (David, & Boyd Nutting 4-1-09) 00:02-13:02, 13:02-26:02.

  48. PLATO No. 11272 Fifty-Five Years

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 17, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1721, “Archery for the Blind” (David, & Boyd Nutting 3-18-09) 00:07-13:07, 13:07-26:07.

  49. PLATO No. 11271 Safe Deposit Box

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 16, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1711, “The Vault of Deliverance” (David, & Boyd Nutting 3-4-09) 24:27-37:27, 37:27-50:27.

  50. PLATO No. 11270 Recurring Visions

    New Music by David K. Barton, recorded September 15, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1701, “Raw Materials II” (David, & Boyd Nutting 2-11-09) 00:06-13:06, 17:18-30:18.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

PLATO & the Western Tradition is a Postmodern Improvisation Ensemble that has been recording real-time improvisations using electronic and acoustic instruments since 1988. The founders and core members are David K. Barton of South Bend, Indiana, and Boyd Nutting of Niles, Michigan. As of December 4, 2016, we have recorded 4,054 improvisations, and would like to share our music.PLATO & The Western Tradition invites others in the Electronic Music Community to participate in the creation of an on-line compilation called “Weaving Indra’s Net”. Here are the “rules”:1. Download from http://www.soundcloud.com/plato-3 any of the improvisations by PLATO & The Western Tradition that capture your attention.2. Use some or all of what you download as a part of your own music making.3. Post your piece to SoundCloud, and post the SoundCloud link on Plato’s FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/PLATOandTheWesternTradition4. Please comply with our Creative Commons attribution requirement (see http://cre

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PLATO & the Western Tradition is a Postmodern Improvisation Ensemble that has been recording real-time improvisations using electronic and acoustic instruments since 1988. The founders and core members are David K. Barton of South Bend, Indiana, and Boyd Nutting of Niles, Michigan. As of December...

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