Araştırma Makalesi

Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis

Cilt: 11 Sayı: 2 4 Mayıs 2026
PDF İndir
TR EN

Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis

Öz

Spatialization refers to the compositional use of the physical, acoustical, and perceptual dimensions of sound (Harley, 1994). It encompasses both the localisation of sound sources and the perception of their position within a given environment. Spatial sound is shaped by multiple parameters, including dynamics, density, texture, and timbre (Kermit-Canfield, 2013). Iannis Xenakis occupies a central position among composers engaged with spatial music. Spatiality functioned as a fundamental compositional principle in his work, informed by his dual background as an architect and a musician (Hofmann, 2005). Terretektorh (1966) exemplifies this approach: musicians are distributed in a large circle, with audience members interspersed among them, transforming the performance space into an immersive sonic environment. The present study, grounded in an analytical model–based approach, examines the compositional techniques through which Xenakis generates a dynamic spatial environment, particularly through the localisation of instruments and the organisation of musical textures. The finding demonstrates that the circular distribution of sound sources and the transfer of musical material between instrumental groups create the perceptual illusion of sound motion and rotation. In this context, spatial rotation and motion are understood not as literal physical movements but as metaphorical and perceptual constructs that emerge from compositional processes. The study further clarifies the concepts of rotation and trajectory in Terretektorh, using it as an analytical model. It also reveals how Xenakis redefines conventional musical parameters. The finding demonstrates that the compositional processes exemplify spatial sounding as a form-generating phenomenon that fundamentally shapes musical structure, performance practice, and listener perception. The methodology draws on established scholarship in the field and is structured around four analytical categories: spatial distribution, motion and rotation, texture, and perceptual dimension. These categories are examined through integrated score-based, sound-based, and form-based analyses. The methodology and findings contribute to a more systematic understanding of spatial composition as a primary musical parameter in contemporary immersive practices. The significance of this research lies in clarifying key concepts in compositional techniques, establishing a conceptual vocabulary for analysing spatial sound, and positioning Terretektorh as a critical reference for both analytical inquiry and compositional development.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Kaynakça

  1. Beyer, R. (1928). Das Problem der kommenden Musik [The problem of upcoming music]. Computer Music Journal, 20(12), 861-866.
  2. Brant, H. (1967). Space as an essential aspect of musical composition. In E. Schwartz & B. Childs (Eds.), Contemporary composers on contemporary music. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
  3. Christensen, E. (1996). The musical timespace. Aalborg University Press.
  4. Collins English Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2026, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com
  5. Harley, M. A. (1994). Space and spatialization in contemporary music: History and analysis, ideas and implementations [Doctoral dissertation, McGill University].
  6. Hofmann, B. (2005). Spatial aspects in Xenakis’s works. In M. Solomos, A. Georgaki, & G. Zervos (Eds.), Definitive proceedings of the International Symposium Iannis Xenakis (pp. 193-201). Technical University of Berlin, Institut für Sprache und Kommunikation.
  7. Holmes, T. (2008). Electronic and experimental music: Technology, music, and culture (3rd ed.). Taylor & Francis.
  8. Iazzetta, F., & Campesato, L. (2008). Space resonating through sound. In Proceedings of the 5th Sound and Music Computing Conference (pp. 89-94). SMC.

Ayrıntılar

Birincil Dil

İngilizce

Konular

Klasik Batı Müziğinde Kompozisyon

Bölüm

Araştırma Makalesi

Yayımlanma Tarihi

4 Mayıs 2026

Gönderilme Tarihi

19 Kasım 2025

Kabul Tarihi

18 Nisan 2026

Yayımlandığı Sayı

Yıl 2026 Cilt: 11 Sayı: 2

Kaynak Göster

APA
Abay, S. (2026). Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis. Online Journal of Music Sciences, 11(2), 451-465. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1823591
AMA
1.Abay S. Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis. Online Journal of Music Sciences. 2026;11(2):451-465. doi:10.31811/ojomus.1823591
Chicago
Abay, Sabina. 2026. “Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis”. Online Journal of Music Sciences 11 (2): 451-65. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1823591.
EndNote
Abay S (01 Mayıs 2026) Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis. Online Journal of Music Sciences 11 2 451–465.
IEEE
[1]S. Abay, “Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis”, Online Journal of Music Sciences, c. 11, sy 2, ss. 451–465, May. 2026, doi: 10.31811/ojomus.1823591.
ISNAD
Abay, Sabina. “Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis”. Online Journal of Music Sciences 11/2 (01 Mayıs 2026): 451-465. https://doi.org/10.31811/ojomus.1823591.
JAMA
1.Abay S. Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis. Online Journal of Music Sciences. 2026;11:451–465.
MLA
Abay, Sabina. “Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis”. Online Journal of Music Sciences, c. 11, sy 2, Mayıs 2026, ss. 451-65, doi:10.31811/ojomus.1823591.
Vancouver
1.Sabina Abay. Compositional strategies of spatialization in Terretektorh by Iannis Xenakis. Online Journal of Music Sciences. 01 Mayıs 2026;11(2):451-65. doi:10.31811/ojomus.1823591