Notation Sequence Generation and Sound Synthesis in Interactive Spectral Music

Abstract

Notation sequence generation and sound synthesis in interactive spectral music This thesis consists of a preliminary analysis of existing spectral music paradigms and proposes a methodology to address issues that arise in real-time spectral music composition and performance scenarios. This exploration involves an overview of meaning in spectral music with a particular focus on the ‘sonic object’ as a vehicle for expression. A framework for the production of ‘interactive spectral music’ was created. This framework takes form as a group of software based compositional tools called SpectraScore developed for the Max for Live platform. Primarily, these tools allow the user to analyse incoming audio and directly apply the collected data towards the generation of synthesised sound and notation sequences. Also presented is an extension of these tools, a novel system of correlation between emotional descriptors and spectrally derived harmonic morphemes. The final component is a portfolio of works created as examples of the techniques explored in scored and recorded form. As a companion to these works, an analysis component outlines the programmatic aspects of each piece and illustrates how they are executed within the music. Each scored piece corresponds with a recording of a live performance or performances of the work included in the attached DVD, which comprises individual realisations of the interactive works. Keywords: Spectralism, Music and Emotion, Electronic Music, Spectral Music, Algorithmic Music, Real-time Notation