PERFORMER LAYOUT & SOUND

LOCALISATION
IN COMPOSITION

Humans have the ability to detect sound from

multiple sources and place these sounds in a mental
spatial map; sound localisation.
Taking this into consideration, a composer can exploit
this auditory phenomenon to create immersive pieces
of music without the aid of electronic spatialisation.
The layout of the performers in the physical space is
one technique that can be used to create the
desired effects.

Cello u The placement of the Cello further

back allows for a sense of depth for
the listener. The placement also acts
as a central focal point for the lower
Violin Violin end of the audible sounds.
I II
v Whilst the listener can place the
sounds in their mind, where one is
sat can cause issues with the desired
Audience auditory effects. A person sitting on
the right hand side will experience
more Violin 1 and vice versa. A
v person sitting in the centre will
experience the optimum effect.

Viola w Placing the Viola behind the

audience recreates a sense of
w surround sound audio. The listener
does not see the performer but can
Spatialised layout of a String Quartet
recognise that the sound is coming
Oliver Pickup
from behind them. As with the Cello,
PhD Composition depth is created to allow for an
Utilising sound localisation and performer placement as a primary immersive experience.
compositional device in 21st Century & Avant-Garde acoustic spatial
chamber music