Prospectus

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Signals and systems

Course
2010-2011

Description:

What happens when space is examined in terms of frequencies, and conversely, how
does our notion of sound reconfigure when it is broached in terms of physical sizes?
This course focuses on examples where specific, and at times contrasting, attitudes
towards the idea of sound-space within musical, architectural and artistic production.
The course outlines particular spatial composition techniques, architectural
perspectives on sound, and aesthetic challenges that arise from the implementation of
an aural-spatial approach to cultural forms. Of particular interest to this course will be
certain electro-acoustic compositional methods (as seen in the work of Iannis
Xenakis), spatial musical approaches (such as the work of Alvin Lucier), and historic
architectural anomalies (such as the British acoustic defense project). Classes will also
cover a brief introduction to the physical properties of sound as well as hands-on
experience with electro-acoustic spatial compositional tools (such as wave field
synthesis); none-the-less, the emphasis will be on a theoretical discussion of the
questions at hand. The course is structured as a one-year program organized around
the themes of “echo”, “resonance” and “oscillation” aiming at providing tools towards
a critical engagement with the contemporary sonic preoccupations.

Teaching method:

Seminar and lectures.

Course objectives:

Students who have followed these classes have: – The ability to think of sound in terms of its physical presence (frequency in
terms of physical sizes) – The ability to implement practical approaches to sound spatialization – The ability to think critically in terms of spatial oriented musical works – Comprehend the relevance of sonic spatial practices in various disciplines – Comprehend the contextual and historical constitution of listening cultures – An understanding of historic paradigms of sound and space

Course load:

10 ects.

Time table:

First and second term. Thursday 15.30 – 17.30 hours, room to be announced. Course takes place at the Royal Conservatory, Juliana van Stolberglaan 1, Den Haag (near The Hague Central station ).

Information:

Kees Tazelaar, e-mail: k.tazelaar@staff.koncon.nl or info@sonology.org.

Registration:

Tim Soekkha