Late breaking information

MUSICOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM

14/01/2013

Different Voices: structure, manipulation and meaning in the sampler-based compositions by Steve Reich

COLLOQUIUM MUZIEKWETENSCHAP
Maarten Beirens

24 januari 2013, 15:30-17:00
Universiteitstheater, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 16, zaal 3.01

Abstract:
In my examination of some of Reich’s sample-based compositions, I will focus on some interesting complexities both on the narrative and on the structural levels. These include the tension between on the one hand the ‘documentary’ sense of objectivity in incorporating the voices of different speakers, each with his own background and opinions, and on the other hand the authorial ‘voice’ of the composer. Secondly, the manipulation of samples either by appropriating the material while taking it out of its original context, or by literally modifying and electronically altering the samples. Finally, these compositions display a remarkable approach to musical structure, as the literal meaning of the texts and their melodic and harmonic material both become factors in determining the musical structure.