An investigation into the spectral music idiom and its association with visual imagery, particularly that of film and video

Author

Brett Mabury, Edith Cowan University

Date of Award

6-30-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Arts

School

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Faculty

Faculty of Education and Arts

First Supervisor

Dr Maggie Phillips

Abstract

The exploration of timbre became increasingly significant throughout the 20th century, with some composers making it the essence of their music. This artistic development occurred in conjunction with a technological advancement that together would contribute to the birth of what is now called `spectral music' . Using computers, composers have been able to discover the spectra of frequencies that exist at different strengths for various sounds. The information realised then became the spectral musician' s primary ingredients for composing some extraordinary works. Despite its innovative quality, spectral music is yet to gain widespread interest amongst ensembles, orchestras and ultimately the public. The first two chapters of this thesis are dedicated to the emergence of this largely unknown compositional discipline, its principal composers and the direction spectral music has taken since its inception.

Recommended Citation

Mabury, B. (2006). An investigation into the spectral music idiom and its association with visual imagery, particularly that of film and video. Edith Cowan University. Retrieved from https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/129