Practical approaches towards interactivity in soundscape composition

Abstract

The article discusses the role of technology in integrating acoustic instruments within soundscape composition in a live and interactive context, thus encouraging an engagement with the sonic environment. The approaches to two compositions that combine instruments with live electronics and pre-composed soundscapes – Cold Wood (bass trombone) and Arcando (alto saxophone) – are considered. These pieces create unique live performance scenarios in order to investigate how acoustic instruments might be positioned within, and reframed by, soundscape composition practice. Potential pitfalls inherent in mixed media works are explored, proposing technological solutions through sound processing and use of microphones, whilst ensuring that 'liveness' remains more aesthetic than procedural. Aspects of field recording practice influence the behaviour of the instruments, and improvisation is encouraged in both pieces to ensure unpredictability. Consequently, it is also proposed that the process of listening to, capturing, and processing the sound of the instrument in a live performance scenario is analogous to the practice of field recording, in which there is little control over the sound events.

Keywords:

• soundscape
• composition
• field recording
• interactivity
• microphone
• improvisation
• technology
• acoustic ecology

Acknowledgements

This research forms part of the PhD thesis entitled A Portfolio of Original Compositions. The PhD research was funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland.

Additional information

Aidan Deery is a Belfast based composer and sound artist. He was awarded a PhD in electroacoustic composition from Queen's University Belfast after completing research at the Sonic Arts Research Centre in 2014, having previously studied popular music at the University of Liverpool and music technology at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Making use of field recordings, Aidan's work ranges from fixed medium compositions to pieces for instrument and live electronics. His compositions have been performed at a variety of festivals, including Sonorities, iFIMPaC and Festival Futura, and at concerts in countries across Europe, as well as the USA and Argentina. He also collaborates with Matilde Meireles to form the field recording duo bunú.