Joel Schellhorn





Composer & Audio Tool Designer

MusikDesign | Spatial Audio | Interactive Sound Art


Eine kleine Studie der Polyphonie
for multichannel electronics

2024-04-22

Eine kleine Studie der Polyphonie is an exploration of polyphony within the context of electroacoustic spatial sound, blending experimental synthesis with a unique approach to sound placement. The piece is driven by a philosophy that reconsiders space itself as part of the instrument. In traditional spatial sound compositions, a finished piece is rendered into a fixed spatial setup. However, in Eine kleine Studie der Polyphonie, real-time automation, combined with live instruments, transforms the sound into a dynamic interaction between the composition and the space it occupies. 

Reflecting on the philosophical implications of polyphony, the piece pushes beyond traditional polyphonic instruments. While traditional instruments, like the piano, cannot truly create discrete polyphony due to their shared resonance, Eine kleine Studie der Polyphonie uses the array of 31 speakers to break this limitation. Each speaker functions like a distinct instrument, capable of independent tonal shaping, creating a truly polyphonic experience reminiscent of a choir of 31 singing speakers, each playing a strict electronic score. This approach aligns with a broader exploration of electroacoustic composition, where the synthesis of sound, its spatialization, and the live manipulation of these elements creates new forms of musical expression.

At its core, the piece serves as a "proof of concept," illustrating the potential of combining modern synthesis, experimental spatial sound techniques, and live performance. The integration of philosophy, technology, and creative experimentation demonstrates the future possibilities of electroacoustic music, where the boundaries of both sound and space are fluid and open to reinterpretation. The work continues to evolve, with future revisions planned to refine its structural and sonic elements further, ensuring that it reaches its fullest potential as an innovative and engaging piece for both performers and listeners alike.