Technology and timbre – An autoethnography on the influence of electronics on the composer’s orchestration practice

Title: Technology and timbre – An autoethnography on the influence of electronics on the composer’s orchestration practice
Authors: Jorge Ramos
Source URL: https://www.timbreandorchestration.org/tor/modules/video-series/symposiums-workshops/y3/ramos

Abstract:

This research explores new methods of orchestration, focusing on the influence of electronics on orchestration practice. By drawing upon electronic music composition techniques and timbral-shaping tools, this project challenges the boundaries of orchestration and explores processes that inform orchestration decisions. I will be using new approaches to timbral blend, spatialization and acoustics, real-time orchestration, computer-assisted orchestration and extending the timbral palette by rethinking the ideals of spectral composition. Through the resulting portfolio, this project aims to create new sound worlds and audience experiences while situating my distinctive approach in relation to other existing practices. Furthermore, a supporting commentary will illuminate the deep pre-compositional research that informs my orchestration practice by identifying the techniques and evaluating their application To explore such concepts, it is vital to conduct practice-led autoethnographic research. This allows for full, creative exploration and application of site-specific and acoustic/electronic tools. This practice-led approach tackles a gap in current research where there is a lack of documentation focused on the musical aspects of orchestration in the computer era. To date psychoacoustic studies have been the driving force, but these overlook the creative application of electronic-informed timbral techniques. Finally, by acknowledging the influence of electronics on my orchestration approach, mainly due to my career as a composer and electronics performer, I hope to uncover new findings in this area by combining electronic (computer-assisted orchestration) and non-electronic systems (intuitive and/or traditional orchestration concepts) into what I consider to be my orchestration discourse.