A compositional process based on the transduction of Oulipian literature to create original systems

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to explore in the musical context an artificial universe that can be perceived from mathematical patterns observed in the writing of the short story As Cidades Invisibles (CALVINO, 2017). The engendered imaginary geography is understood by the repetition of elements that relate and combine throughout the narrative. Thus, the question of this research focuses on the technical-compositional implications arising from the use of patterns extracted from an imaginary universe and their transformation into resources of the creative process, using the Theory of Compositional Systems as a theoretical reference (PITOMBEIRA, 2020). In this theory, an operation called transduction is responsible for allowing the composer to shape his impression of the universe into generic objects and musical relations that constitute a compositional system. If the universe is a natural universe, this system will be based on natural laws, especially those of a cognitive nature, such as inertia, gravity, and magnetism (LARSON, 2012) and we can use them in another context, just as Xenakis did by observing the behavior of fluids described in physics models (XENAKIS, 1992). In this work, the method of application of the theory comprised the specification of an original compositional system with the creation of rules observed in literary construction. The use of it in compositional planning resulted in a creative experience with an expanded reach, due to the diversity of parameters that could be explored, providing the creation of a work for flute, viola and harp.