On the Sensations of Tone IX: The Descent
(IX: The Descent is featured at the June 8 exhibition.)
On the Sensations of Tone is a series of works that explore the physicality of sound and spatial depth through the application of original empirical research in psychoacoustics and the biomechanics of hearing. The compositions and installations create a unique layer of spatial depth by provoking the ears to generate sounds of their own. Difference tones are sounds produced by hair cells in the inner ear in response to specific acoustic frequency combinations. Absent from the physical space, the “ear tones” are perceived as localized inside the head. Once elicited, the phenomenon produces an expanded sonic depth of field between the external sounds in the room and the internal sounds generated in the ear. The effect can be enhanced by cupping hands around one’s ears.
On the Sensations of Tone IX: The Descent was built from field recordings made in the Paris catacombs using in-ear binaural microphones. Careful listening during the first of the two difference tone sections will reveal ear tones at frequencies below the threshold of human hearing. While initially designed for stereo presentation, this version is the first exhibition of a new multichannel rendering of the work.
On the Sensations of Tone VIII
(VIII is featured at the June 9 concert.)
On the Sensations of Tone is a series of works that explore the physicality of sound and spatial depth through the application of original empirical research in psychoacoustics and the biomechanics of hearing. The compositions and installations create a unique layer of spatial depth by provoking the ears to generate sounds of their own. Difference tones are sounds produced by hair cells in the inner ear in response to specific acoustic frequency combinations. Absent from the physical space, the “ear tones” are perceived as localized inside the head. Once elicited, the phenomenon produces an expanded sonic depth of field between the external sounds in the room and the internal sounds generated in the ear. The effect can be enhanced by cupping hands around one’s ears.
On the Sensations of Tone VIII evokes ear tones by acoustic and electronic means. During the development of the piece, a spectral analysis of the crotales revealed single notes that contained frequencies in the proper amplitude and ratio for eliciting difference tones. In performance, the crotales are amplified and mixed with electronic tones to create a dense difference tone spectrum. Using multichannel speakers, the physical space is transformed into an immersive environment where head movement causes difference tones to appear, disappear, and change character. Microscopic and macroscopic listening is possible by shifting attention between the acoustic tones, the ear tones, and all audible sound.
On the Sensations of Tone VIII was performed by Loren Mach (percussion) and Alex Chechile (electronics), and recorded live at the Bing Concert Hall, Stanford, CA.
Alex Chechile
Alex Chechile is a sound artist, composer, and electronic artist whose work develops in parallel with research in neuroscience and psychoacoustics. With a particular interest in the relationship between sound and the body, his immersive compositions, installations, and performances aim to bring transparency to otherwise invisible processes in biological and technological systems. Questions that arise in his artistic work lead to formalized studies, and the results cyclically inform his sonic practice.
As a performer, Chechile was a founding member of Pauline Oliveros’ Tintinnabulate ensemble, collaborated with Mercury Rev, and performed a solo opening act for Primus. His projects have been supported by the Mellon Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Harvestworks, Issue Project Room, the Experimental Television Center, the Deep Listening Institute, and the American Embassy, among others. His work has been presented at festivals and venues including IRCAM, MoMA, ICMC, Electronic Music Midwest, EMPAC, the New York Electronic Arts Festival, and Cité Internationale des Arts. Chechile holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), and is currently a Research Fellow at the RISD Studio for Research in Sound and Technology (SRST).
http://alexchechile.com