Introduction to Spectral Music

New England Conservatory

This class will introduce you to spectral music in multiple facets. First comes the music: through listening assignments you will get to know some of the major compositions by Grisey, Murail, Harvey, Saariaho among others. Subsequently, the techniques developed by Grisey and Murail will be presented, as well as the ideas – of a holistic approach to sound – on which the spectral movement is built. Finally the larger context in which spectralism began and developed will be discussed: from a reaction against the dominating parameterization of the serial method, until a movement that inspired younger composers such as Leroux, Hurel, Romitelli to name but a few. For spectral composers the perception of sound is of the utmost importance in developing their techniques. Therefore, in this course the work will be hands-on: from analysis by listening; to making (spectral) drafts of music based on selected sounds! While creativity is encouraged, you don’t need to be a composer to complete the assignments of this class.

Not required course: eligible for students who finished the core curriculum.

First comes the music: through listening assignments you will get to know some of the major compositions by Grisey, Murail, Harvey, Saariaho among others. Subsequently, he techniques developed by Grisey and Murail will be presented, as well as the ideas – of a holistic approach to sound – on which the spectral movement is built. Finally the larger context in which spectralism began and developed will be discussed: from a reaction against the dominating parameterization of the serial method, until a movement that inspired younger composers such as Leroux, Hurel, Romitelli to name but a few. For spectral composers the perception of sound is of the utmost importance in developing their techniques. Therefore, in this course the work will be hands-on: from aural analysis to making (spectral) drafts of music based on selected sounds! While creativity is encouraged, it is not needed to be a composer to successfully complete the assignments of this class.

Further information

assessment

Other (The relative weight of the work in this course is: 1. Homework: 20%, 2. Listening assignments: 15%, 3. Tests: 35% (Test No. 1 & 2 each 10 %; 4Test No. 3 is 15%) | Midterm Project: 15% | Final Project: 15%)
level

Beginner, Intermediate
Completed Semester

1st or 2nd Semester
How many semesters does the course last?

1
hours per week

2
Link of the course

https://necmusic.edu/sites/default/files/2017-11/NEC_MusicTheory_Spring2018.pdf
Target group of course

Instrumentalists, beginner
Music theory students, beginner
credits

2
Type of Course

Lecture, Seminar, Practice
Degree Level

Bachelor
e-learning-elements

online exercices
Course

Optional
students #
Max. 20
Hours per year

80
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Contemporary Music Review Vol 19 No. 2&3
- Scores and recording of music that is discussed and analyzed (some of the composers are: Gérard Grisey, Tristan Murail, Jonathan Harvey, Kaija Saariaho, Philippe Leroux, Philippe Hurel, Fausto Romitelli)
ONLINE CATALOGUE
WITH CONTENTS
evaluation grid
evaluation grid
and document