Unbounded
Movements
The Compositional Study of the Contrabass for Extended Techniques with Gesture-based Spatialization.


Unbounded Movements explores the relationship between the movements of the double bass player and the generation of new sounds by investigating new performance techniques. It aims to extend the traditional use of the instrument beyond its role as a melodic instrument, revealing the acoustic characteristics of the double bass and creating new effects.
The performer utilizes movements of the hands or a bow across the full range of the instrument. While previous techniques within different playing ranges, performed in unconventional positions across as wide a range as possible. This journey represents an exploration of the performer’s physical limits.
In terms of sound manipulation, 12 percussive actions such as striking the strings from behind and in front, modify the spectral characteristics to emphasize percussive qualities. Utilizing panning actively to express varying intensities and movements showcases a spectrum from light to heavy. Additionally, manipulating frequencies in particle-like forms expresses spatial characteristics and represents sounds with spatial properties.
Representation of arco techniques encompasses 9 distinct movements, exploring methods such as friction against the body, producing sound outside the bridge of all strings, and expressing the movement of the instrument through itself rather than the bow. These experimental techniques attempt to freely move within the time range of bow movement, blurring the auditory distinction between percussive sounds and allowing for harmony between the two domains.
The sounds are spatialized based on the movements of the double bass player, dynamically revealing the movement of sounds through various electronic transformations. This represents an electronic experiment aiming to transcend traditional physical boundaries while exploring dynamic expressions revealed through the performer’s gestures.