Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Diesis

MacLeod, Duncan W M (2012) Diesis. London Sinfonietta Records Item format: Score, MAX/MSP patch and commercial CD release of premier performance. ASIN: B0094G5JLQ. (doi:ASIN: B0094G5JLQ) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:31749)

PDF (Diesis, Full Score) Other
Language: English

Restricted to Repository staff only
[thumbnail of Diesis, Full Score]
Audio (MP3) (Diesis, Live performance ) Other
Language: English

Restricted to Repository staff only
[thumbnail of Diesis, Live performance ]
Official URL:
http://www.londonsinfonietta.org.uk/recordings

Abstract

This work is an exploration of microtonal commas (a minute interval) of which a diesis, a diminished second, gives this piece its title. Historically when tuning a scale, rather than divide an octave into equal parts (as used today with equal temperament) early tuning systems would tune notes using a sequence of pure intervals, which are slightly different in size to the equal tempered intervals we use today. These discreet differences in pitch would result with an undesirable and perceptually dissonant imperfect octave, the interval of this imperfection being a comma. Diesis is therefore a response to the dissonant qualities that made a comma undesirable: namely its complex timbre and pulsing beating tones (which result when two notes very close in pitch are played together).

Item Type: Composition
DOI/Identification number: ASIN: B0094G5JLQ
Additional information: This work was commissioned by the London Sinfonietta and premiered as part of Sonic Britain, a festival of electronic and electro-acoustic music in Hall 1, Kings Place, London. The live recording of this performance was then posted online, enabling audiences to listen to the performance. The work has also been released by the London Sinfonietta on their record label (London Sinfonietta Label) as part of a compilation 'New Music Show' (ASIN: B0094G5JLQ)
Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > M Music
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Arts
Funders: [UNSPECIFIED] The London Sinfonietta
[UNSPECIFIED] The Bolti Trust
[UNSPECIFIED] The John S Cohen Foundation
Depositing User: Duncan MacLeod
Date Deposited: 18 Oct 2012 22:16 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:09 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/31749 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

MacLeod, Duncan W M.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.