Focusing on the construction of original electronic compositions, this companion volume delves into the use of Pure Data (Pd) as a meta-compositional tool. It explores the creative processes behind the pieces, emphasizing elements like binary processes, symmetry, and sine tone frequencies. The book illustrates how Pd enables composers to analyze and document their work graphically, revealing the relationships among compositional elements. Additionally, it discusses the applicability of Pd for large-scale, multi-sectional projects, building on concepts introduced in the original publication.
Michael Barkl Book order






- 2018
- 2018
Franco Donatoni's transformative period in 1967 marked a significant shift in his compositional approach, as he faced a crisis that led him to reinterpret existing materials instead of creating original pieces. The book focuses on his work "Etwas ruhiger im Ausdruck," showcasing how it emerged from a set of automatisms derived from Schoenberg's music. It highlights the intricate techniques Donatoni employed, revealing that this phase was not a decline but a demonstration of his virtuosic compositional skills.
- 2018
Exploring the life of a composer, this reflective exegesis draws inspiration from Hector Berlioz's memoirs, highlighting parallels between the celebrated 19th-century figure and a contemporary, lesser-known composer. Organized in reverse chronological order, each chapter spans seven years, contextualizing compositions within their historical settings. It delves into themes of artistic growth, financial challenges, career opportunities, and the reception of performers, offering insights into the ongoing struggles and triumphs faced by composers across time.
- 2018
Focusing on the construction of two specific electronic compositions, this book serves as a companion to a previous work that utilized Miller Puckette's Pure Data as a meta-compositional tool. It delves into the creative exploration of binary processes, symmetry, and sine tone frequencies, demonstrating how compositions in Pd can reveal their own structural elements. By providing a detailed analysis of these works, the book highlights the potential of Pd for large-scale, multi-sectional projects, emphasizing its role in documenting the creative process.
- 2017
Featuring 341 aphorisms, this collection offers insights into the nature of music through concise, thought-provoking statements. While some are direct quotes from notable musical thinkers, most are paraphrased to resonate with contemporary audiences. The aim is to provoke reflection and debate rather than establish definitive truths about music. Organized into nine chapters, the book transitions from general artistic perceptions to specific musical observations, ultimately expanding to a broader, inclusive perspective on the art form.
- 2010
Focusing on constructing a jazz solo from chord progressions, this book offers a unique five-step method that simplifies the process, making it accessible to those with basic music knowledge but limited jazz experience. While it emphasizes composition over improvisation, the techniques presented are designed to help musicians internalize the material, allowing for more spontaneous creativity in the future. With practice, readers can expect to develop their skills and eventually move beyond the structured approach to a more instinctive style of improvisation.
- 2010
Focusing on a harmonic approach, this book guides readers in creating original music that transcends popular and traditional systems. It emphasizes the importance of Western music's harmonic elements while encouraging personal exploration and innovation. Rather than dismissing the past, it seeks to connect traditional conventions with new artistic expressions, providing a systematic framework for those looking to break free from conventional tonal music and arrangements.
- 2010
The book delves into Riccardo Formosa's significant contributions to contemporary classical music during the 1980s, highlighting his innovative instrumental writing and compositional techniques. It focuses on Formosa's final work, Vertigö, analyzing the score to uncover his creative processes and methods. This examination not only showcases Formosa's artistry but also aims to establish a deeper understanding of his impact on Australian music and the standards he set for future composers.
- 2010
Focusing on the interplay between composition and perception, this study emphasizes the observer's role in understanding music. It explores how individual relationships with musical works shape their reception and analysis, considering the contemporary composer's multifaceted role as a teacher and philosopher. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it highlights the influence of various analytical perspectives on conclusions drawn about music. The aim is to illuminate significant aspects of music analysis without attempting to cover every related issue comprehensively.
- 2010
The aim of 'Analysing Harmony' is to make some kind of sense or order from tonal harmony as used in the popular music of the mid-20th century; the kind of music that is known as the ?great American songbook? and used as ?standards? by jazz musicians. The benefit of using this kind of repertoire is that, because it is highly ?refined?, in the sense of being systematised and predictable, other musics, such as classical and pop, may be usefully compared with it to highlight similarities and differences of tonal use. The particular purpose of the booklet is twofold. Firstly, it may assist songwriters suffering from the ?lost chord? of songwriter?s block. The patterns and substitute chords analysed here can provide a range of chords that have the ?correct? harmonic it?s then a matter of choosing one according to taste. Secondly, an analytical understanding can greatly assist the improvising musician to develop broader and more complex melodic ideas over longer time-frames, rather than responding to each individual chord as it comes along.