of moving independently during a performance. Although similar lights are responsible for the visual effects associated with rock concerts, these lights are capable of more refined applications and are employed by many ballet companies. An instrument movement is programmed into a computer before performances begin. To allow for slight Earls 10variations in each show cues are administered to coordinate the timing of performers and lights. A light board operator usually gives these cues, but in a musical performance cues can be programmed into a musical instrument. When a keyboardist or drummer plays a particular combination of notes a lighting instrument moves to the next programmed area. "(The performers) are mesmerizing to watch," comments Lafortune. "The light is there to compliment them. You don't want to know the light is there, changing, you want to feel it as part of a great show."ConclusionAlthough at times progression was slow, lighting development experienced two great leaps forward-candlelight to gas and gas to electricity. The practical objects put to use in early instruments is astounding. The simplicity of design combined with the complexity of their effect is perhaps the most Earls 11interesting elements of dramatic lighting history. When contrasted with the sophisticated, technical instruments of the 21st century a significant evolution is obvious....
