Cory Fica

Doctoral Dissertation - Exploring the Use of Electronics in Alejandro Viñao’s “Madera Viento y Metal”

My doctoral dissertation (University of Miami) is available for download here.

ABSTRACT
Within the 21st century, electro-acoustic percussion music (in particular, keyboard percussion and electronics), has become increasingly prevalent in the repertoire. Composer Alejandro Viñao has contributed a significant number of works to both the contemporary percussion repertoire and electroacoustic mediums. His unique musical aesthetics include the elements of ever-changing meter which creates differing musical temporalities, meticulous use of wide dynamic ranges and articulations, extensive use of rhythm as a means of compositional development and imitation of electronic sound effects on acoustic instruments, like digital delay and crossfading of dynamics between multiple voices. Viñao has written many electroacoustic compositions for various instrument combinations. One recent electroacoustic composition within Viñao’s catalog is "Madera Viento y Metal" (2016), for solo marimba and fixed electronics. In this work, Viñao creates a unified soundscape that merges the acoustic and electronic voices while exploring the themes from the title itself: wood, wind and metal. These three characteristics are intricately conceptualized and serve as the basis for how the electronic sounds augment and interplay with the marimba’s acoustical timbre. Throughout this work, the electronic sounds interact or combine with the marimba in order to create composite melodies, harmonic structures and sound effects using a variety of textures, timbres, resonances and dynamics. An amalgamation of electronic, nonpitched percussion sounds is frequently used throughout, and correlates with the themes of the title of this work. This guide explores how Viñao’s use and implementation of electronics in "Madera Viento y Metal" can influence the performer’s interpretive decisions. By examining the interaction and interplay of the electronics and marimba parts, this guide will serve as a future musical and technical performance guide. Such a guide will broaden the holistic understanding of the "Madera Viento y Metal," and thus, empower musicians to fulfill the composer’s intended musical vision.