Commentary on the Portfolio of Compositions submitted for the degree of PhD in Composition: Heart of Light, Light of Heart, Spanish Ladies, Down Among the Dead Men, Pavanne, Christ ist Erstanden, Rezoplucker, Cliqbuz, Circle Theory.

Abstract

The portfolio contains various works which explore the interplay between live performance of electroacoustic music and performance of pre-written work. Control of real-time parameters in computer generated music is now so prevalent that it can be used in the compositional process. This shift in possibilities is the focus of this commentary. It is not the intention of this commentary to either tell the reader how to interpret the music or to discuss aesthetic issues. This commentary should be used more like a construction manual to aid the listener where they might not be familiar with the concepts and techniques employed in the music. The introduction sets out the music aims,
the conclusion explains how these aims are achieved in various ways and each chapter in between focuses on a different piece in the portfolio.