Analysis of Quebec Composer Martin Bedard's acousmatic piece <Champs de fouilles>

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Analysis of Québec Composer Martin Bédard’s acousmatic piece <Champs de fouilles> Carlo GENTILE Dept. of Music The Graduate School Hanyang University

This thesis is an analysis of Martin Bédard’s 2008 fixed media acousmatic composition Champs de fouilles. The result of this analysis is the creation of a Listening Score for the piece, which allows the composition to be broken down into three areas of study: Structural Analysis, Frequency Spectrum Analysis and Spatial Perception Analysis. The analysis shows that clear structural outlines are present in the form. The form is subdivided into sections made up of groups of sound objects with similar sonic characteristics juxtaposed with contrasting groups of sound objects. The harmonic and melodic structures of the piece are analyzed with a traditional approach in that pitched objects are analyzed for their harmonic and melodic functions within the piece. Finally, the analysis presents a subjective discussion about the narrative present throughout the piece resulting from the choice of sound objects used, their positioning within the aural image of the composition and the dynamic and panning gestures used to manipulate their location in the aural scene. Bédard’s approach of using cinematographic procedures for the composition of an acousmatic piece successfully produces a listening experience that exemplifies a cinema for the ear.