ELECTRO / ACOUSTIC is an exploration into the harmonic content of sound. Known as timbre in musical terms, harmonic analysis has its roots in many ancient civilizations, but it wasn’t until Joseph Fourier published his work, The Analytical theory of Heat, in 1822 that we had the basis for proper analysis of harmonic content, which is now known as Fourier Transform.

The Fourier transform is an analysis process, decomposing a complex-valued function f ( x ) into its constituent frequencies and their amplitudes. The inverse process is synthesis, which recreates f ( x ) from its transform. Any complex sound can be deconstructed and represented as sine waves at fixed frequencies above the fundamental with varying amplitudes. The unique configuration of sine waves and the relationship between frequency and amplitude is what we perceive as musical timbre.  

This type of harmonic analysis and manipulation is an essential component of synthetic sound, with representations ranging from the most basic implementation of audio filters to extremely complex spectral morphing algorithms. The ability to change the basic harmonic structure of a sound is what makes synthesis such a powerful tool within music performance and composition.

It is this manipulation modulation of harmonic content that makes synthesizers such a fantastic pairing for acoustic instruments. In contrast, acoustic instruments have a predominantly fixed harmonic structure - but one that is unrivaled in richness and complexity.

With the first edition of ELECTRO / ACOUSTIC we will utilize pairings of string, brass, and percussion instruments to compare and contrast the harmonic content of synthetic sounds. The performance will feature three individual pairings, with a final 6 piece ensemble finale.

ELECTRO / ACOUSTIC features Dave Stone (saxophone), Alex Cunningham (violin), Alberto Patino (percussion), Adrian McBride (modular synthesizer), The Kingston family singers (modular synthesizer), and Kevin Harris (modular synthesizer).

Admission is $10 ($5 for Luminary members), with all proceeds going to the performing artists.