Illuminating Sound
(2025)
author(s): Teng Katherine
published in: KC Research Portal
This research investigates the active role of light as a core compositional element in contemporary music performance by exploring the integration of light, sound, and movement in real-time environments. Traditionally, light has been treated as a secondary aspect of performance, primarily serving as a means of illumination or visual enhancement. However, this study examines how light can function beyond this conventional role, actively shaping musical structure and influencing perception.
Through the analysis of live performances and hands-on experimentation with analogue oscillators, photoresistors, and DMX systems, this research explores how these elements function as both medium and material within a piece. My compositions, alongside works by composers such as Viola Yip and Hugo Morales Murguía, serve as case studies, illustrating light’s transformation in performance from a passive visual aid to a structural force. These works highlight how light, when treated as a compositional element, reconfigures performer agency and audience perception.
By challenging conventional notions of light in music, this research contributes to ongoing discussions on multimedia composition and performance aesthetics. It proposes an alternative perspective in which light is not merely an accessory to sound but an integral component of musical structure, expanding the possibilities for interdisciplinary performance practice.
Interpretative Approach of ‘’Dialogue de l'ombre double‘’ by Pierre Boulez
(2025)
author(s): Juan Luna
published in: KC Research Portal
This research explores an interpretative approach to Dialogue de l’ombre double by Pierre Boulez, a key work in the contemporary clarinet repertoire. Motivated by my decision to perform this piece in my final master’s recital, the study goes beyond its technical demands to examine its historical context, Boulez’s compositional style, and the interaction between live clarinet and electronics.
The research is structured around four objectives: contextualizing Boulez’s contributions to contemporary music, analyzing the structure of Dialogue de l’ombre double, developing an interpretative framework, and offering technical solutions.
Following the introduction, Chapter 1 explores Boulez’s impact on contemporary music, particularly his use of electronics and spatialization. Chapter 2 provides a structural and musical analysis of the work, examining how its elements create a cohesive sonic narrative. Chapter 3 presents interpretative and technical strategies for engaging with the electronic part, focusing on phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. Chapter 4 offers practical solutions for technical challenges, including alternative fingerings and exercises for complex passages.
Based on bibliographic research, recordings, discussions with clarinet professors, and personal experimentation, this study highlights how a deeper engagement with the score and Boulez’s stylistic intentions can lead to a more informed and compelling performance.
The Sonic Atelier #2 – A Conversation with Robot Koch
(2025)
author(s): Francesca Guccione
published in: Research Catalogue
This exposition continues the series The Sonic Atelier – Conversations with Contemporary Composers and Producers, dedicated to exploring the evolving role of the composer today. Through a Q&A format, the project examines how contemporary creators integrate composition, production, performance, and technology into their artistic practice.
This interview features Robot Koch, an award-winning composer, producer, and performer whose work spans electronic music, orchestral writing, and immersive audiovisual performance. Koch reflects on his hybrid identity as a creator, discussing the interplay between writing and production, the role of technology as an expressive tool, and the potential of spatial audio and immersive formats. The conversation also addresses the transformations of the music industry, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the importance of authenticity and craftsmanship in the creative process.
The Sonic Atelier #1 – A Conversation with Luca Longobardi
(2025)
author(s): Francesca Guccione
published in: Research Catalogue
This exposition inaugurates the series The Sonic Atelier – Conversations with Contemporary Composers and Producers, dedicated to exploring the evolving role of the composer today. Through a Q&A format, the project investigates how contemporary creators integrate composition, production, performance, and technology into their artistic identity. This first interview features Luca Longobardi, who reflects on his hybrid practice across classical and electronic music, immersive performance, and sound design, offering insights into the fluid boundaries between writing, production, and live interpretation.
The Sonic Atelier – A Conversation with Luca Longobardi
(2025)
author(s): Francesca Guccione
published in: Research Catalogue
This exposition inaugurates the series The Sonic Atelier – Conversations with Contemporary Composers and Producers, dedicated to exploring the evolving role of the composer today. Through a Q&A format, the project investigates how contemporary creators integrate composition, production, performance, and technology into their artistic identity. This first interview features Luca Longobardi, who reflects on his hybrid practice across classical and electronic music, immersive performance, and sound design, offering insights into the fluid boundaries between writing, production, and live interpretation.
music as an invitation - comments on experiences of online participatory concerts (a small handbook)
(2025)
author(s): Késia Decoté Rodrigues
published in: Research Catalogue
This small handbook shares the learnings from participatory online concerts which were developed as part of the "music as an invitation" project.
Using the two concerts developed for the "music as an invitation" project as case studies, this book presents the basic steps on putting together participatory online concerts. It also brings up some discussion about some relevant points to be observed during those steps, drawing specifically from the experience in the "music as an invitation" project.
This handbook aims to contribute to other curious and adventurous artists and producers who are interested in exploring creative ways to share music with their audiences. By exploring participatory ideas in online concerts, here we thrive to do what music does best: bring people together.
The "music as an invitation" project was a Marie Słodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Research developed at the University of Bergen, funded by the European Union.
