The thesis is concerned with experimental electronic music composition techniques. It discusses methods used in early live electronics from the 1960s, demonstrating a unique approach to early live electronic music. The studies explore composition methods used in David Tudor’s electronic music. Research materials are examined to show how Tudor’s processes can provide a plethora of different musical outcomes. A series of practical experiments are carried out, based on the original circuit diagrams, texts and other materials surrounding Tudor’s compositions. The experiments give a clearer understanding of composition techniques involving electrical feedback, mutual modulation, output processing and other related processes found in Tudor’s electronic music. This research is carried out in order to broaden my own set of processes whilst gaining a greater appreciation of the methods used in early live electronic music. The accompanying compositions in this project experiment with various systems that avoid any editing or post production treatment, enabling a piece of music to be fully realised in the performance stage. The project shows how an independent electronic music maker may organise basic tools in order to produce different types of instruments, extending the limits of device functionality and composition output. This document can also be found in website format at www.roomforest.wordpress.com, along with all accompanying media and audio compositions.
| Date of Award | 27 Mar 2023 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Supervisor | Monty Adkins (Main Supervisor) |
|---|