This article proposes a framework as a contribution to the expansion of compositional practice. It analyses and problematises different dimensions of architectural thinking and practice, and transposes them to the field of music. This way it suggests and develops compositional strategies that are more deeply engaged with the several spatialities of music creation, performance and listening.Material,site,drawing,programmeanduseoperate as conceptual tools to articulate music and architecture in a discussion towards a more comprehensive understanding of music composition. This was the theoretical ground of a practice-based PhD research in which I developed a portfolio of works. I will describe some of these to contextualise and demonstrate the contemporary relevance of this framework.
"Play" was a project developed by Matilde Meireles and Diogo Alvim with the participation of experimental filmmaker Richard O'Sullivan. This multilayered performance was specially conceived for the annex of the Physical Education Centre at Queen's University Belfast, a building composed of several squash courts and an audience area. The project encompassed live music (a brass ensemble), electronics, video projections, and a live squash game, all affecting the perception of the site.
This building became the main character of an immersive acoustic experience, where a game of squash was the starting point to explore ideas about architecture and place through sound. The squash courts were subject to acoustic processes extrapolated from two of Alvin Lucier's most important works—"Vespers" and "I am sitting in room". Also the floor markings were manipulated, as a reference to Edward Krasinski's obsession with a never-ending line. These extended beyond the performance space to reveal unexpected connections.
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