THYU 338 Introduction to Spectral Music

This class will introduce you to spectral music in multiple facets. First comes the music: through listening assignments you will get to know some of the major compositions by Grisey, Murail, Harvey, Saariaho among others. Subsequently, the techniques developed by Grisey and Murail will be presented, as well as the ideas – of a holistic approach to sound – on which the spectral movement is built. Finally the larger context in which spectralism began and developed will be discussed: from a reaction against the dominating parameterization of the serial method, until a movement that inspired younger composers such as Leroux, Hurel, Romitelli to name but a few. For spectral composers the perception of sound is of the utmost importance in developing their techniques. Therefore, in this course the work will be hands-on: from aural analysis to making (spectral) drafts of music based on selected sounds! While creativity is encouraged, it is not needed to complete the assignments of this class.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

((THYU 208/Lecture or THYU 208/Department) and (THYU 202/Lecture or THYU 202/Department or CI 283T/Lecture or CI 283T/Department))