Musical Gesture between Artistic Practise and Scientific Research

An electronic instrument (dis-embodied instrument) needs to be learned the same way as a traditional instrument. The affordances of technologically mediated instrumental interfaces infl uence our musical agency and expressivity. The capability of orientation and mental representations within an interactive and algoritmic system is infl uenced in large parts by the physical and perceptual situation offered by the instrumental interfaces and the situation within which it is experienced. There are fundamental principles that apply to (dis)embodied interaction by both expert performers (both musical and gestural: musicians and dancers) and non-expert persons.

This thesis will deal with the questions about the methods, affordances and gestural elements for the analysis of these processes. The themes are made apparent through the creation of a range of audio-visual performance and installation situations for the stage and in public spaces. These works are designed in part to help this analysis. The artistic works are complemented by a series of experiments that permit to delve deeper into individual aspects of the theme, addressing the underlying cognitive issues. The realisation of the artistic works is accompanied by technological implementations and theoretical reflections closely related to the theme of musical gestures and actions.