Analyzing Michael Finnissy’s Second String Quartet. A Multimedia Interactive Approach

The aim of this collaborative research is to show the potential for developing interactive strategies music analysis. This article demonstrates how wide range multimedia outputs Bayley’s into processes composition, rehearsal and performance Michael Finnissy’s Second String Quartet (2006/2007) can be accommodated by extending Clarke’s “interactive aural” approach, using Cycling 74’s Max/MSP software. overall objective provide a model that widely used creative subsequently inform Traditionally, analysis Western Classical has made reference primarily, if not exclusively, score, presented as linear written text, illustrated examples charts. approach developed here directs activity away from fixed, static text towards an interactive, experience evolving interpretative which shape aural, transient dynamic qualities music. Through integration materials resulting ethnographic study, software assists composer-performer relationships are particularly under-researched in musicology.