Acousmatic Composition- from the novice perspectiv

So..

After re-capping last week’s lecture, Julio talked about the problems we might face with the current set-up we have in the recital hall. This makes it quite clear that setting up the mixer is a subjective thing- and dependable on the composition in question. We also talked about spacialisation, and the distribution of the sound being diffused.

In terms of my own progress, I decided that it was important to have an actual concept for my composition; so drew up ideas on what would be interesting. I decided to combine two sounds worlds; the ‘peaceful’ countryside, and the urbanised city. I want to narrate how industrialisation and the machine have ‘consumed humanity’ in our every day lives and hope to achieve this by first having these two worlds in direct juxtaposition, before combining the two.
One idea I had was to record naturally produced sounds, to exploit a rhythmic quality found in say (for example) birdsong. I would slowly introduce sounds of traffic and other machines, and eventually drown out that sound by ‘urban/man-made sounds.’

At first the sounds I recorded were of low quality, because i’m still getting to grips with this equiment. Amongst white noise though I have collected a few sounds which will prove useful to my composition. I’m travelling home to oxfordshire this weekend, and intend to record the ‘natural’ sounds whilst I am there… I just have to hope it’s not too busy!

That’s all for now. Steve

Ok, so I have figured out how to start my very own blog- and will document the process of my experiences with acousmatic composition.

Eventually I will produce a piece of ’sound ART/ music(que)’ which I will have to ‘perform’ live through sound diffusion… I’m still trying to get to grips with what that actually means, but after the lecture last week I understand it to be the ‘replaying’ of a previously recorded track, but controlling the output/pan of the piece using a live control board. So, the ‘performance’ itself could be interperated as being a wholly unique experience, and two performances of the same work could leave the audiences with completely seperate interpretations of the work in question.

In terms of the actual composition, I still need to decide on my ’sound world/scape’ and how I want to realise these ideas in some kind of structure, without conforming to a traditional structure.  I’m hoping to experiment with recording sounds around my house, before the next class.

That’s all for now folks!

Steve.

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