Shows / PLATO & the Western Tradition
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…
Episodes
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11103 Regular Irregularity
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 0113, “Peloria” (David, Boyd Nutting, Evie Barton, & Phil Ray…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11102 Risky Opening
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 9, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1201a, “The Hierophant, part 1” (David, Boyd Nutting, Scott Hatt…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11101 Antique Melodies
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Sequence ’16 Scraps’+LAURA…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11100 Crackling Jubilation
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Accordion Reeds; PLATO, No…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11099 Abolishing Language
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 2179, “Pardis…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11098 Expressive Submission
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Accordion Reeds; PLATO, No…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11097 Phantom Chances
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1971, “Postmodern…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11096 Sky Omens
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 8, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1961, “The Cathedral of…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11095 Creating Weather
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 7, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1590b, “Storm Masons, part 2” (David, & Boyd Nutting 11-20-07)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11094 Divine Attribute
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 6, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1490, “The Odin Stone” (David, & Boyd Nutting 10-3-06)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11093 Commonplace Routines
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 5, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1390a, “The Ordinary Way, part 1” (David, & Boyd Nutting 9-11-05)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11092 Enabling the Apocalypse
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 4, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1912, “Channeling the Void Beings” (David, & Boyd Nutting…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11091 Barbie & Ken
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 3, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1190a, “Unnatural Beauty, part 1” (David, & Boyd Nutting 9-20-02)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11090 Eyeing Time
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded June 2, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1090a, “Tricephalic Eagle ,part 1” (David, & ‘Vid Grande…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11089 Unfolding Flowers of Time
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1168b. “PLATO & The BopAnts”…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11088 Disembodied Spaces
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1168a. “The…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11087 Abyss of Transience
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Voice+Accordion Reeds; PLATO, No. 1167…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11086 Maelstrom of Mysteries
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Melodeon; PLATO, No. 1166. “Spurious…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11085 Unacknowledged Potential
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1165. “Soaring…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11084 Incommensurate Expressions
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded June 1, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1164. “Confounded…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11083 Spiritual Road Trip
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 31, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1380, “Transcendental Journey, part 1” (David, solo, Michiana…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11082 Seeing Within
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 30, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1812, “Subliminal Horizon” (David, & Boyd Nutting 9-30-09)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11081 Foundation
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 29, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1081, “Plinth: The Earth upon which the Work is Founded” (David…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11080 Ancient Beginning
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 28, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1080, “Introit” (David, Boyd Nutting, & ‘Vid Grande 9-15-00)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11079 Invoking the World-Spirit
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 27, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1079, “Spiritus Mundi” (David, & ‘Vid Grande 9-15-00)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11078 Alchemical Forgery
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 26, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1078a, “The Emerald Tablet of Hermes, part 1”, 00:36-13:36; with…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11077 Nothing But Arrival
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths (19-tone+12-tone tunings)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11076 Sleep-Drunk Citizens
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths (19-tone tuning); PLATO, No…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11075 Plentiful Vaguenesses
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PUSH—›LIVE Instruments; 16 Formant Sequence…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11074 Dark Cessation of the World
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1074, “The Beetle on the Empty…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11073 Clouds Cover Stars
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+PUSH—›LIVE Instruments; 16…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11072 Night Winds
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 25, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+PUSH—›LIVE Instruments; 17…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11071 Moon-Lit Rain
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 24, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1071, “Wings of Light 1” (David, & Scott Hatt, Michiana…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11070 Carnival of Fools
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 23, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1070b, “Carnival” (David, Boyd Nutting, Andrew Lersten, Scott…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11069 Lunar Landscape
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 22, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1069, “Opener of the Day” (David, Boyd Nutting, Dimitri Lemay…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11068 Moon-Set
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 21, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1068, “Closer of the Night” (David, Boyd Nutting, Dimitri Lemay…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11067 Mirrored in Waters
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1067, “Trying to…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11066 Sun-lit Moon
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Accordion Reeds+Voice, PLATO…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11065 Guard the Harbor
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths, PLATO, No. 1065, “Dreamscape…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11064 Towering Lighthouses
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths, PLATO, No. 1064b, “CONCRETE…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11063 After Accomplished Night
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1063, “Dreamscape” (David, solo…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11062 Morning Awaits Sunrise
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 20, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths, PLATO, No. 1062, “Semblance…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11061 New Moon Ritual
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 19, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1061, “Semblance part 1” (David, & Boyd Nutting 5-20-00)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11060 Lunar Majesty
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 18, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1060, “B-Field Ear part 2” (David, Boyd Nutting, & Scott Hatt…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11059 Solar Incandescence
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 17, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1590a, “Storm Masons, part 1”: 10:04-23:04; with, PLATO, No…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11058 Solar Incantations
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 16, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1850, “Alien Identity Theft”: 00:00-13:00; with, PLATO, No. 1851…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11057 Solar Synthesis
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 15, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1751, “The Last Sunset” (David, & Boyd Nutting 5-27-09)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11056 Attenuated Tonalities
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1056, “Alien…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11055 Flickering Heroism
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Harmonica; PLATO, No. 1055…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11054 Unquiet Seas
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1054, “Aural…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11053 Return to Oxyphont Mountain
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths+Voice+Bells+Oxyphont; PLATO…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11052 Measuring Life
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: Kybd—›Synths; PLATO, No. 1052, “Tuning the…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11051 Disturbing the Universe
Real-Time Improvisation by David K. Barton & Boyd Nutting, recorded May 14, 2026, PLATO’s Studio, Michiana. David: PLATO, No. 1051, “The Millennium Cycle…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11050 Empty Silence
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 13, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1450b, “Phoenix Song, part 2”, 00:01-13:01; with, PLATO, No…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11049 Garden Laughter
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 12, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1419a, “Invisible Constellations, part 1”, 13:06-26:06; with…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11048 Star-Drift
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 11, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1418a, “The Autonomy of Silence, part 1”, 00:08-13:08; with…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11047 Candles Want to be Lit
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 10, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1417b, “Adventures in the Numerous, part 2” (David, & Boyd…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11046 Lamps Seek a Genie
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 9, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 0164, “Grains of Paradise” (David, Boyd Nutting, Evie Barton, &…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11045 Carpets Wishing to Fly
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 8, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1045, “Ears Wide Open” (David, & Boyd Nutting 12-18-99)…
PLATO & the Western TraditionPLATO No. 11044 Fifty-Five Years
New Music by David K. Barton, recorded May 7, 2026, PLATO’s PilotHouse, Michiana. PLATO, No. 1414b, “Lying in Wait, part 2” (David, & Boyd Nutting 11-30-05)…