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Rethinking the BEAST: Recent developments in multichannel composition at Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 October 2010

Scott Wilson*
Affiliation:
Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre, Music Department, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Jonty Harrison*
Affiliation:
Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre, Music Department, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Abstract

This paper outlines some recent developments in multichannel composition at the Electroacoustic Music Studios, University of Birmingham and its performance wing, BEAST (Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre). In doing so it attempts to codify and define some emerging aspects of spatialisation practice which are found both within the BEAST community and beyond. The discussion covers software and techniques developed and adapted for use with BEAST, new and pragmatic approaches to composing for large-scale multichannel systems, such as n-channel composition and composing in ‘stems’, and issues arising from a resulting blurring between composition and performance practices.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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