Saturday 17 December 2022

Spectographic Notation

 




What are the benefits of using notation as a frequency?

Sound frequency or audible frequency is a periodic vibration that can be heard by the average human. The unit of frequency is hertz (Hz). The human ear hears sounds in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. And of course, in order for the sound to be heard, an atmospheric environment where sound waves can travel is required.
The biggest benefit of expressing notation in terms of frequency (spectogram) is that there is no need for instrument identification. Composition can be performed with any instrument (object or electronic device) from which the relevant frequency can be obtained. The biggest benefit of this situation is that it does not direct the musician(s) to a conditioned instrument. In terms of the composer, it is not limited to full/half/quarter tones. Any frequency can be expressed without the need for the corresponding TET calculation. This frequency will correspond to the sound of which instrument can produce, which may allow musicians to receive wider training. From this point of view, it will be seen that any object has the opportunity to become an instrument. Those who want to use electronic devices and modulators instead of natural instruments (objects) will be more comfortable. It is necessary to be blind not to foresee that the music of the future will be based on electronic devices. Even today, electronic devices have started to be used intensively in contemporary works. Although I do not agree with its naming, it is called New Music.
* The introductory part of the Famine - I study can be seen in the attached photo.
** Now, let's have a little discussion on it. The spectrogram output we see here is the result. In other words, the piece is the state after it is performed. Alright. How can the work be written with the spectrogram technique in the first place? As can be seen in the output, frequency ranges are available. Afterwards, it is seen that there are main voices and sub voices. The same method can be used easily when writing on paper. Humming (blurred abstract) sounds called hum can be expressed with a light scribble. Thus, the sounds of an entire orchestra are suitable to be described in a single spectrogram expression. Let's ask this way. Is it polyphonic music when 100 violins play the same sound? Of course not. It is loud but not polyphonic. To be polyphonic, 100 violins must play different movements in groups. Let's say they are performing 5 different movements in groups of 20. It is quite comfortable to express these 5 different sounds in a single spectrogram notation. (It wouldn't make much sense for them to use the same frequencies. If there are overlapping frequencies, which in my opinion is a bad composition design; then a second line of spectrogram notation can be opened.) Because when viewed from a little distance, it will be noticed that the spectrogram is in lines. Each line will represent a separate movement. This may provide the composer with the opportunity to write (express) and easily see and evaluate what he/she expresses as a whole. Therefore, using spectrogram notation is the notation method of the future in my opinion. However, what I'm discussing here is not the result. It should be considered as a suggestion.