An exploration of numbers and tuning systems in musical composition

This is a practice-based study into the use of mathematics in composition, specifically in terms of musical structures and tuning systems. The pieces in the portfolio each explore various ways of using mathematical processes to create structures or generate material. Mathematics also plays a part in...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Pound, Eleri Angharad
Published: University of Leeds 2008
Subjects:
780
Online Access:http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.491715
Description
Summary:This is a practice-based study into the use of mathematics in composition, specifically in terms of musical structures and tuning systems. The pieces in the portfolio each explore various ways of using mathematical processes to create structures or generate material. Mathematics also plays a part in the creation of a new tuning system for the project. The triple harp and string instruments have been used to explore an unequally divided tuning system suggested by Dr Rob Sturman using a nonlinear circle equation. The pieces included in this submission are as follows: Meibion Bonacci (3'15) for clarinet, violin and piano the madman bllm and angel beat in time (5') for clarinet, trumpet, percussion, guitar and piano eririad (9'35) for 7 percussionists Mabinogi a cycle of eight pieces plus extractable solos: 1-A11IJJJjirfonolo-viola 2 Pryderi for bass clarinet, fretless bass guitar and drum kit 3 Guydion ac Arianrhod for oboe and celesta 4a Naill droed ar gefll bwch a'r lIall arymyl baddon for recorder, trombone, electric guitar, violin and double bass . 4b 0 Jlodall Um y .mae I!yn for soprano saxophone,violin, trumpet, percussIOn and electric guitar ! 5 Hlldo gwraig o'r blodall for triple harp, percussion and violoncello ~ 5e. UmUaw GyJfes for solo violoncello 6 A fa ben, bid bonl for triple harp, pedal harp and tuba ~ 6e i Bendigeicffran for solo tuba ~ 6e iiy maeyny cwcfyn amrywfalhall 0 Jlawd for solo harp 7 Y wraig arfarch guyn for flute bassoon, piano and guitar 8 Pedair Caincy Mabillogi for large ensemble.