Biomes.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Biomes is a 45-minute sound structure composed for electric guitar and electroacoustic soundscape. The debut performance of the work occurred on April 22, 2013 (Earth Day) within the Meyers Gallery at the University of Cincinnati. During this presentation, as well as on the debut recording of the composition, I functioned as electric guitarist and electroacoustic soundscape composer / performer.
The electric guitar presents 6 songs during the electroacoustic soundscape. The melodic / harmonic material utilized within each song is primarily "fixed". The rhythmic / pulse material utilized within each song is primarily "fluid".
The electroacoustic soundscape is comprised of 7 biomes. The following biomes are represented: urban, desert, tropical forest, grassland, temperate forest, tundra, and aquatic (freshwater / marine). The complete soundscape incorporates 104 audio files (many of these audio files were accessed via the Macaulay Library at Cornell University). 52 of these audio files have been electronically processed in some fashion often utilizing MacPOD (developed by Chris Rolfe and Damian Keller). The remaining elements of the soundscape were constructed utilizing Logic Pro 9 (developed by Apple Incorporated).
My initial creative intention was to compose music that I needed to hear (and hopefully music that needs to be heard). This creative intention has been realized through the completion of Biomes. I have been intensely involved with music for over 27 years---sacrificing many other aspects of my life in order to pursue what I am deeply passionate about and to live fully as an artist. This extensive experience as an artist has informed my conclusion that Biomes is possibly the best work I have ever completed.
The only way to understand my composition Biomes is to literally experience my composition Biomes(similarly, the only way to understand the taste of an apple is to literally experience the taste of an apple). There is no other way to achieve this quality of experience. For the person who desires this quality of experience, a WAV audio file of Biomes has been embedded within my dissertation (to access this file you must open my dissertation utilizing Adobe Reader).
While experiencing Biomes, please listen as follows: - in the morning (before any type of "professional" day has begun) or at night (after any type of "professional" day has ended). - in a silent, activity-free space. - while your body is sitting or reclining in a stress-free position. - utilizing high quality headphones. - from beginning to end without intermission. Thank you for listening.