THE INTEGRATION OF THE TUBA AND LIVE ELECTRONICS: A STUDY IN MIXED MUSIC COMPOSITION

Abstract

Sharp (2025), for solo tuba and live electronics in Max/MSP, explores the relationship between instrumental performance and partially unpredictable electronic systems. The title derives from the colloquial meaning of sharp as a state of alertness and precision, referring not to a musical accidental but to the mental and performative stance required of the performer when engaging with a reactive sonic environment. This notion of sustained attentiveness serves as the conceptual foundation of the work. The piece is conceived as a continuous dialogue between tuba and electronics, understood as interdependent elements within a single musical system. Tension between control and indeterminacy shapes both the performer’s experience and the listener’s perception. Musically, Sharp operates through three interrelated layers: the acoustic tuba, a FM synthesis system governed by controlled randomness, and the interaction between the two through real-time processing. Formal articulation is achieved via presets triggered during performance, producing a fixed macro-structure with variable internal details. As a result, each performance constitutes a unique realization of the work. As the composer’s first piece for solo instrument and live electronics, Sharp reflects a process of experimentation grounded in real-time digital signal processing. The work functions as an investigation into attention, responsiveness, and interaction, positioning the performer within a living electronic environment that demands constant awareness and adaptability.