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Ambient Odyssey.pdf (2.13 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Ambient Odyssey

Rice, Carter John
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1368713739

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Music (MM), Bowling Green State University, Music Composition.
Ambient Odyssey is twelve minute, single movement work for mezzo-soprano, flute, piano, mandolin, electric bass, percussion, and electronics. Ambient Odyssey's formal structure is cast in three parts, each corresponding to one of the three particular soundworlds: A, B, and C. Each examines a distinctive character: the natural world, an assembly-like machine, and a cosmic wormhole. Transitions between soundworlds are integral to the composition, and vary greatly in character. Texturally, the piece is guided by pitch densities that increase and decrease over time. Soundworld A begins with the full pitch compliment and gradually diminishes to a single pitch class. Inversely, Soundworld B begins with a single pitch class and progressively reintroduces pitches. Soundworld C initially uses a fully chromatic set before decreasing to a set of four pitches that can be reduced to the prime form: [0123]. Rhythmic and melodic material is derived from three primary gestures: a downward glissando; a downward grace note and the re-articulation of a single pitch; and a single pitch that is re-articulated while accelerating and decelerating. The musicians are accompanied by four-channel fixed media. Processed sounds of birds, wind, rain, thunder, fire, and insects contribute to a sonic landscape in soundworld A; machines, engines, cars, and crowds of human voices enhance soundworld B; and synthesized sounds provide an ambient backdrop in soundworld C. Spacialization of the fixed media also plays a role in the composition's structure. Soundworld A projects sound from all directions, soundworld B focuses sound from behind the performing ensemble, and soundworld C rapidly diffuses sound around a quadraphonic space.
Elainie Lillios, Dr. (Advisor)
Christopher Dietz, Dr. (Committee Member)
30 p.
Music
music; electroacoustic; chamber; vocal; instrumental; ambient; textural

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rice, C. J. (2013). Ambient Odyssey [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1368713739

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rice, Carter. Ambient Odyssey. 2013. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1368713739.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rice, Carter. "Ambient Odyssey." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1368713739

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1368713739
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.