Digital Autonomy In Electroacoustic Music Performance: Re-Forging Stockhausen
Robert Esler · University of Michigan Library Repository · 2006
The author proposes a digitally autonomous role in the performance of electroacoustic music. In Stockhausen’s work, “Solo for Melody Instrument and Feedback Loop” he provides a framework in which to build a piece. Written in 1966 the piece originally used analog technology but provides the caveat for ‘electroacoustic means’ when creating the prescribed timbre and noise manipulations of the acoustic instrument. In addition the score calls for three or four assistants to control various aspects of the feedback loops. In this version the author has created an entirely computer controlled realization, replacing the assistants and creating all noises and timbres digitally. The author argues that technology has equal leverage with the written score when interpreting electroacoustic music.