CARBON VERSUS SILICON: THE RATIONALE FOR HUMANITY IN ARTISTIC PRODUCTION, PSYCHOACOUSTICS, AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS OF MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The rationale for humanity in the modern-day battle of synthetic digital music production versus human performance has always been a challenging subject. Recent events of the COVID-19 pandemic have further provoked this, as collaboration no longer has to be within physical proximity to be wholly authentic. With endless possibilities in synthetic digital music production, the vitality of human performance is challenged, particularly in a recording context. Preliminary research will be therefore be performed on a small woodwind cohort, in addition to virtual instruments in the Hollywood Orchestra by EastWest sounds. Both ensembles will be recording Robert Muczynski’s Fragments for Woodwind Trio. The five fragments: Waltz, Solitude, Holiday, Reverie, and Exit, showcase a variety of different timbres and textures with its flute, clarinet, and bassoon instrumentation. Additionally, this instrumentation will provide an interesting perspective in terms of sound production in context of the virtual orchestral. The data analysis from these recording sessions will identify the key factors in creating musical cantabile, and whether the virtual instruments are able to successfully recreate the same effect. Historically, many musicians have preserved through difficult times like this, and their ability to innovatively adapt may well allow them to beat the machine.