Timbrenauts: Creative explorations in timbre space
Timbrenauts: Creative explorations in timbre space
Yuval Adler (McGill) & Berk Schneider (UCSD)
May 1st, 2022
ABSTRACT:
In this research-creation project we wish to use experimental designs from timbre perception research to generate data models that will inform the creation of new compositions for an atypical instrumental duo. We wish to test whether research methodologies can be adopted for use in perceptually informed orchestration/composition practice. The experimental portion will generate similarity spaces for each instrument alone as well as both together, using recordings of a variety of sound production approaches on each instrument as stimuli. We will hire an additional performer on an instrument which will combine with Berk Schneider’s trombone to make a unique duo, for which we will commission short pieces from members of the ACTOR community. We will ask that the composers make use of the structures of similarities and differences revealed in the experimentation phase to shape the pieces. E.g. creating sequential and concurrent auditory groupings via timbral similarities, exploring maximal timbral differences, or tracing trajectories through the timbre spaces as seed material. This project does not aim for generalizability; the sounds collected for the experiment will cover the timbral expressions and extended techniques possible on the instrumental pair as played by the specific performers chosen, and with the interests of collaborating composers taken into account. We will share both our data and work process in the resultant TOR module, allowing others to make use of either. Another potential outcome is a paper detailing the differences between the individual timbre spaces of each instrument as opposed to the one generated for both together. Which areas of the individual instrumental timbre spaces get compressed or expanded after their stimuli sets are used as one larger stimuli set for a third similarity judgment experiment could reveal what perceptual features are important to listeners in an instrumental solo as opposed to an ensemble situation.
