Ambient Aesthetics in the Acousmatic Domain: a portfolio of original compositions

This text is the supporting document to a portfolio thesis of musical compositions submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Music at The University of Sheffield. It acts as a guide to the ideas and methodologies behind the creation of the compositions. The portfolio consists of nine acousmatic compositions composed between 2015 and 2020, of which seven are stereophonic, one is quadraphonic, and one is octophonic. Following an introduction to the contextual considerations of this approach, this text discusses the works within the portfolio, in chronological order, revealing the development of a compositional practice rooted in the acousmatic tradition, yet drawing influence from ideas and techniques associated with ambient music. As the discussion unfolds, a working definition of ambience in music - ambient traits - is formed. We see how the musical traits commonly associated with ambient music are equally common to works found in the acousmatic field. Finally, I explain how such traits have informed my own compositional practice, while highlighting the broader ambient approaches within my own compositions. Across its duration, the portfolio explores a wide range of approaches to incorporating ambience within an acousmatic practice, and shows how it is possible for these two streams of composition to be combined in the pursuit of various musical goals.