For octophonic or stereo fixed media [4:21].

Translucient is a piece in the tradition of Musique Concrete that experiments on how asserting or negating the intent of the composer, or introducing external factors, such as algorithms and randomization, affects the listener’s experience. To carry out this experiment, I used compositional techniques that varied the degrees by which I incorporated composer intentionality and the influence of external forces. Listed from highest to lowest degree of composer intentionality, these techniques included intuition, algorithm, varying degrees of randomization, and counter-intuition (doing the opposite of what one would normally do). For example, I inputted the first 634 digits of pi into parameters of granular synthesis and delay. Can you hear the different degrees of composer intentionality?

Performances

Dec 5, 2017. Recital Salon, Squires Student Center. Blacksburg, VA. Stereo version presented at NME (Virginia Tech’s New Music Ensemble) Translucient Forms concert.

Feb 26, 2016. Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center. Blacksburg, VA. Stereo version presented as a part of creative scholarship “Translucient: The Effect of Composer Intentionality on the Listener’s Experience,” at the Virginia Tech 2016 Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference.

Dec 8, 2015. Recital Salon, Squires Student Center. Blacksburg, VA. Stereo version presented at Virginia Tech Music Department’s weekly Convocation.

Dec 7, 2015. Cube, Moss Arts Center. Blacksburg, VA. Octophonic version premiered at the Fall 2015 DISIS Concert.