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Degree

Master of Music (MM), Bowling Green State University, Music Composition, 2008.

Abstract

Torn Edges, a Work for Five-String Electronic Violin and Tape, was written in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music in Composition at Bowling Green State University. This thesis composition is a ten-minute work that combines the sonic possibilities of pre-recorded sound objects and the timbre of a live electronic violin. Torn Edges is meant to sonically represent the tearing apart of many different elements such as metal, paper and time and the resulting frayed edges that occur when such elements are destroyed. This action can be heard in both the violin and tape part throughout the course of this work. In the violin part, the score calls for the performer to play many long glissandos and sustained notes. When combined with a guitar effects pedal, the resulting sound mimics the sound of notes being torn in half. In addition, the use of distortion via a guitar effects pedal creates a coherent sonic landscape with the tape. The tape part consists of recorded samples of metallic objects, violins, cellos and computer generated noises that are then manipulated using techniques such as convolution and granular synthesis. The linear motion of this work helps to give Torn Edges its form. In the first section, both the violin and tape create a long crescendo that erupts into many tiny pieces of falling metal. Gradually extending the texture of the piece and creating a sense of tension until the above-mentioned climax creates this crescendo. From this point in the piece, the violin takes off into a fast and furious solo that eventually slows down and re-introduces the material heard in the beginning of the piece. In the closing section of this work, both violin and tape create a sense of hesitation and confusion by the miss matching and miss timing of bits and pieces of material heard in the opening section of this work. Torn Edges, was realized using Finale, Logic Pro 7, DSP Quattro, SoundHack, Kontackt and various GRM and Waves plug-ins at the Electro-acoustic studios at Bowling Green State University and the composer's personal home studio.

Subject Headings

Music

Keywords

Tape and Instruments; Electro-acoustic, Electronic Violin; Five-string Violin; Music Technology

Committee / Advisors

Andrea Reinkemeyer (Advisor)
Mikel Kuehn (Committee Member)

Pages

11p.

Document number: bgsu1213920863
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1213920863

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