Antiphonal to Ambisonics: A Practice-Based Investigation of Spatial Choral Composition Through Built Environment Materiality
Declan Tuite · Arts · 2025
This paper presents Macalla, a practice-based research project investigating how architectural spaces function as co-creative instruments in Ambisonic choral composition. Comprising four original compositions, Macalla employed Nelson’s praxis model, integrating creative practice with critical reflection through iterative cycles of composition, anechoic vocal recording, and site-specific re-recording. The project explored six contrasting architecturally significant spaces including a gaol, churches, and civic offices. Using a stop-motion stem playback methodology, studio-recorded vocals were reintroduced to architectural spaces, revealing emergent sonic properties that challenged compositional intentions and generated new musical possibilities. The resulting Ambisonic works were disseminated through multiple formats including VR/360 video via YouTube, Octophonic concert performance, and immersive headphone experiences to maximize accessibility. Analysis of listener behaviours identified distinct engagement patterns, seekers actively hunting optimal positions and dwellers settling into meditative reception, suggesting spatial compositions contain multiple potential works activated through listener choice. The project contributes empirical evidence of acoustic agency, with documented sonic transformations demonstrating that architectural spaces actively participate in composition rather than passively containing it. This research offers methodological frameworks for site-specific spatial audio creation while advancing understanding of how Ambisonic technology can transform the composer-performer-listener relationship in contemporary musical practice.