Exposition

Composing with samples (2025)

Agnese Valmaggia
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In this research I investigated the process of composing music starting from pre-recorded samples as a source of inspiration. I explored different approaches and consulted several experts, among which JacobTV, Vaague and Chassol. The whole work can be divided into three steps: In the first cycle I started trying to translate into pitches the samples I had: the result is a very rhythmic musical idea, quite connected and ‘locked’ with the sample but lacking some freedom. In the second cycle I explored the completely opposite direction: I used the pre-recorded audio material in the background of the piece, creating a sort of soundscape, a ‘cloud of sounds’, less central for the audience but still essential in the composition process. I also experimented with ‘floating pulse’ and isorhythm technique. In the last cycle I tried to blend the two previous approaches, searching for a balance in between the two. In general, apart from the artistic exploration and outcomes, I also experimented a lot with technical tools and programming techniques I didn’t know or didn’t have before, like Max patches, Ableton midi mapping, drums triggers, multipad. I came up with three different outcomes, each one focused on one of the three main approaches (rhythmical, ‘floating’ and a mix of the two), involving different kinds of samples and different line-ups (from the drums solo to the quintet). In addition to that, a lot of small experiments have been carried out.
typeresearch exposition
keywordssamples, interaction, tapes, audio/visual, MIDI mapping, electronics, ultrascore
date30/10/2025
published31/10/2025
last modified31/10/2025
statuspublished
affiliationCodarts, University for the Arts
copyright(c) Agnese Valmaggia
licenseAll rights reserved
languageEnglish
urlhttps://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/3960804/3960805
published inCodarts
portal issueCodarts Artistic Research Reports.
external linkwww.codarts.nl


Copyrights

nameAgnese Valmaggia - Artistic Research Report
copyright(c) Agnese Valmaggia
licenseAll rights reserved
usagespdf

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