Composition in circular sound space: Migration 12-channel electronic music (1995–97)

Abstract

How does production and spatial environment shape the aesthetics of electroacoustic music? Can the physical space, technology and network of relationships associated with studio activities environment be deeply embedded in the actual composition itself? Using my 12-channel electronic piece Migration as an example, this article demonstrates how the ‘materiality’ of the former Studio für Elektronische Musik of the WDR Radio, Cologne, Germany influenced the conception of ‘circular sound space’. Space in electroacoustic music is considered as embodiment of gestural experience driven by performance and composition. The discussion gives insights into the development of circular approaches of sound space in relationship to analogue and digital machinery. Particular attention is paid to the correlation between sound synthesis and sound space as a structuring principle of multi-channel electroacoustic music composition.