Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Music Honours
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
First Supervisor
Dr Stuart James
Abstract
Cymatics is an area of physics popularised by Hans Jenny that observes the influence of sound but more simply vibration on physical matter. When sound is directly applied to a substance, for example, water, the vibrations create kaleidoscopic movement within the medium. Specific variables primarily of pitch, container size, and water volume contribute to creating a variety of geometric shapes. Without sound cymatics does not exist and is, therefore, a visual characteristic of sound itself.
With an investigation into the behaviour and application of cymatics, this research uses the findings of an investigation to develop a ‘choreographical’ language that can be creatively applied to the practice of music composition. With these techniques applied to two compositions exploring cymatics, the works reveal a convergence of sound and visualisation in an amalgamation of music composition, science and visual music practice. This research serves as a manual of choreography of cymatics in the practice of music composition.
Access Note
Figures 1-8 are not available in this version of the thesis.
Recommended Citation
Jervis, J. (2021). Developing a music composition practice: Exploring the choreography of cymatics. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1567