Representation of sound synthesis as a compositional methodology in contemporary music

Abstract

This thesis examines the contributions of sound synthesis techniques to a musical work during the compositional process. Since the 50s, sound synthesis has influenced musicians not only in the field of performance as an instrument but also in the process of generating unique ideas, providing a structural basis for their works. Sound synthesis and its concepts continue to be a source of inspiration for composers. Beginning with a general approach of the integration of electronic music into contemporary and popular music to the formation of a compositional concept by formalization has been investigated. Afterwards, the focal point of the study, sound synthesis techniques that are additive synthesis, frequency modulation, granular synthesis and stochastic synthesis were introduced and their active role during composition and orchestration processes were examined. The discussion focused on how to incorporate the techniques from a different domain into the instrumental realm, and the potential aesthetic and technical variations that might occur. A symbolic form of representation of synthesis results in timbral and textural enrichment of sonic material regardless of the instrumentation. Since the principle is based on the smallest component of a sound to the formation of a larger musical event, observing and manipulating physical qualities of this component such as harmonic and inharmonic content, amplitude and envelope allows for molding the overall sound of a piece. Subsequently, works in contemporary music repertoire in which each technique was used were identified and examined. The conceptual contributions and effects of these works and composers from different perspectives, from spectral music to stochastic music and microtonal music, were discussed. Finally, an empirical research in order to be able to examine the effects of sound synthesis techniques on music composition, to make deep inferences and to concretely base the effectiveness of the use of this technique. A composition was created employing stochastic synthesis, then was transcribed for a wind ensemble and the observed findings were conveyed.