Gesture and Necessity

The Extending Gesture colloquium in Edinburgh this past weekend was brilliant!  I think I’m gradually forming elements of the papers and discussion into coherent thoughts, usually within the context of a given word or phrase.

The idea of necessity in connection with gesture was one leitmotiv over the weekend.  In Rolf Godoy’s memorable paper on his group’s research into connections between physical movement and music, the question was posed of whether Glenn Gould’s hand, body, facial movment during his playing–features that might seem excessive–were in fact necessary.  Godoy’s understanding is that they are necessary for Gould.  It coincides smoothly with Flusser’s description of a ritual gesture, a movement that “acts out” a unique existence.