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Complexity as Process: Complexity-inspired approaches to composition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2010

Tom Davis
Tom Davis*
Affiliation:
Poole House, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University Bournemouth, BH12 5BB, UK
*
E-mail: tom@tdavis.co.uk
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Abstract

This article examines the use of Complexity Theory as an inspiration for the creation of new musical works, and highlights problems and possible solutions associated with its application as a compositional tool. In particular it explores how the philosophy behind Complexity Theory affects notions of process-based composition, indeterminacy in music and the performer/listener/environment relationship, culminating in providing a basis for the understanding of music creation as an active process within a context. The author presents one of his own sound installations, Cross-Pollination, as an example of a composition inspired and best understood from the philosophical position as described in Complexity Theory.

Type
Articles
Information
Organised Sound , Volume 15 , Issue 2: Organising electroacoustic music , August 2010 , pp. 137 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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