Martin, Brona "Portfolio of Original Compositions." PhD
, University of Manchester, 2015
Keywords/Fields of Study : Electroacoustic Composition, Soundscape Composition, Acoustic Ecology, Multi-channel works, Community engagement
Abstract: Electroacoustic music has a unique ability to connect the listener to places, space and stories both real and imaginary. Each work within the portfolio explores specific objects, spaces and places. The intrinsic sonic qualities are explored and a musical narrative takes the listener through a newly composed imaginary space.
Six original compositions are presented in this portfolio. The titles of these works are as follows: Lamenting, 192, All Along the Bell Tower, Oz, The Thing About Listening is…. and A Bit Closer to Home.
Narrative structures that simulate a journey are used as a guide for the listener through immersive, virtual soundworlds. These spoken word and musical narratives also serve as a structural tool for the composer. Imagined and real sonic layers within stories and soundscapes are analysed, deconstructed and manipulated. These works convey a message, story or sense of place to the listener, while revealing sonic qualities that are not normally the focus of listening.
My aim as a composer is to enhance the daily listening experiences of the listener, as they become more aware and appreciative of the sounds around them, through the sounds and spaces they experience in my music.
Department: Novars Research Centre, Faculty of Humanities
, University of Manchester
Advisor(s): Professor David Berezan
