Sound in the Ecstatic-Materialist Perspective on Experimental Music

Georg Friedrich Haas' one-hour contemporary orchestral piece and Pan Sonic's glitch-noise electronic tracks share a common understanding of sound from the ecstatic-materialist perspective, which considers sound as a material mass or element unfolding in time, encountered by a listener for whom the experience exceeds the purely sonic without becoming entirely divorced from its materiality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite their apparent differences, a fascinating connection can be observed between a one-hour contemporary orchestral piece by Georg Friedrich Haas and a series of glitch-noise electronic tracks by Pan Sonic. This book proposes that, despite their distinct genres, these musical works share a unique perspective on sound that permeates various contemporary art music styles.

In the ecstatic-materialist perspective, sound is regarded as a tangible and malleable substance, evolving over time and encountered by a listener. It transcends the realm of mere sound and becomes an immersive experience that encompasses both the material and spiritual aspects. The focus on texture, consistency, and density of sound gives rise to a materiality that is ecstatic in the etymological sense, as it evokes an instability, a longing to transcend the material appearance, and a fleeting impulse to perceive sound as something beyond its immediate manifestation.

By examining a diverse range of musical pieces, from spectralism to electroacoustic domains, from minimalism to glitch electronica and dubstep, this book identifies the fundamental characteristics that define this musical perspective. It delves into the interplay between composition, performance, and listener perception, incorporating listener feedback and interviews with composers and performers to provide a comprehensive understanding of this perspective on sonic experience.

Sound in the ecstatic-materialist perspective serves as a common ground where composers, sound artists, performers, and listeners converge. It encourages a deeper exploration of the relationship between sound and emotion, perception, and the material world, fostering a sense of wonder and awe in the listener. Through this lens, contemporary art music becomes a vibrant tapestry of sonic possibilities, where boundaries are blurred and new realms of auditory exploration are revealed.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367677008