From Pitch to Rhythm and Noise: The Application of the Harmonic Series in Recent Works of Luís Neto da Costa

This paper presentation seeks to disseminate the accomplishments of the first year of doctoral studies, with a particular focus on the harmonic series techniques developed for the most recent nine compositions of the author. Although the harmonic series is prevalent in music across the globe, and despite the contemporary music community’s association with the developments of Spectralism and Just Intonation practices, the harmonic series can be applied in a variety of contexts beyond merely pitch-oriented uses. The author will explain the various techniques developed, including the utilization of arithmetic and prime sequences, dynamic curves, serialized methodologies, gestural and number-oriented strategies, common harmonics, and virtual fundamentals. Additionally, the author will discuss other distinctive techniques such as the application of fundamentals in rhythm, the use of subharmonics as rhythmic elements, the employment of partial numbers as time signatures, and the role of harmonics within resonating filters. The analysis is supplemented by the demonstration of tools developed in Max utilizing libraries such as ‘bach’.