Atlas Eclipticus (detail) - John Cage & Circum Pacific 1.1.2001 (5.1) - Lorian Dombois

The Berne University of the Arts has conducted extensive research in the sonification of various data sets, including EEG (electrical signals from the brain) and Siesomological data. The Sonifyer site reveals how complex datasets can be transformed into audible streams in much the same way standard info-visualisations are constructed. Aside from committed projects by the university the site also includes an excellent ‘knowledge’ section collating examples of related work by modern composers. It also allows the download of Sonifyer, a Mac based application, that facilitates work with different sonification methods.

John Cages work Atlas Eclipticus uses a star chart as the underlying component for composition together with the I Ching, reminding us of the concept of Musica Universalis (Music of the Spheres)

Composed in 1978 before the technology was available to realise the piece, Alvin Lucier’s Clocker intended to bring together a ‘performer equipped with a galvanic skin response sensor, digital audio feedback system, amplified clock and a small loudspeaker. His intention was to allow a ‘performer to speed up and slow down time, stopping it, if possible, simply by thinking.’

Link via Emma McNally