Spectral tuning and its application to instrumental and vocal composition

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates the use of spectral tuning in musical composition. Spectral tuning is the use of spectral analysis, most often a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of audio, to provide frequencies that correlate to musical pitches. These pitches then define a spectral tuning. The first chapter outlines a thread of historical and conceptual influences on spectral tuning techniques. Several tuning systems are presented to place spectral tuning in context with other tuning systems. The field of psychoacoustics is also presented to show how certain musical perceptions influence the notion of tuning and intonation. The second chapter briefly describes current spectral tuning practice and looks at the tuning of the compositions in my research folio. The major work of this thesis 'Revelation' uses the spectral tuning defined by the spectral analysis of 'Nayia Widya Laras' (The Venerable Lady Melody of Kowledge) Javanese gamelan gongs and bonangs. The last chapter concludes with a discussion of microtonal perception and deals with the practical issues raised by mircrotonal outcomes of spectral tuning. Reference pitch from accurately tuned instruments or audio samples are suggested for performers to rehearse until they "hear" the new tuning. Microtonal score notation is also briefly discussed and it is recommended, where possible, cents be used to define tunings supplied with digital audio examples so that there is no doubt what is required by the composer.[v. 1]. Text -- [v. 2]. Composition folio -- CD 1 -- CD 2