tags: music mus-305 spectral composition

Spectral Composition

Spectral composition is a method of [music composition] where composers take [spectra] (any [sound]), analyze the audio through [spectral analysis] (FFTs), and use the resulting spectral information as compositional material.

• basically: music about sound
• treat a spectra as a set of notes

Harmonic/Inharmonic

For spectral and microtonal composers, the [harmonic series] serves as an unlimited source of inspiration:

• instruments that exhibit the harmonic series in some way are good starting points
• any 1-D structure, like a string or column of air, exhibit the harmonic series in some way
• ex: stringed or woodwind instruments: pianos, clarinets, etc.

Instruments with [inharmonic] spectra are still useful and interesting.

• ex. drums, gongs, non-[pitched] percussive instruments

Methods

In spectral composition, [modulation synthesis] is often used as a tool.