This Thesis proposes three main objectives: (i) to provide the concept of a new generalized non-standard synthesis model that would provide the framework for incorporating other non-standard synthesis approaches; (ii) to explore dynamic sound modeling through the application of new non-standard synthesis techniques and procedures; and (iii) to experiment with dynamic sound synthesis for the creation of novel sound objects. In order to achieve these objectives, this Thesis introduces a new paradigm for non-standard synthesis that is based in the algorithmic assemblage of minute wave segments to form sound waveforms. This paradigm is called Extended Waveform Segment Synthesis (EWSS) and incorporates a hierarchy of algorithmic models for the generation of microsound structures. The concepts of EWSS are illustrated with the development and presentation of a novel non-standard synthesis system, the Dynamic Waveform Segment Synthesis (DWSS). DWSS features and combines a variety of algorithmic models for direct synthesis generation: list generation and permutation, tendency masks, trigonometric functions, stochastic functions, chaotic functions and grammars. The core mechanism of DWSS is based in an extended application of Cellular Automata. The potential of the synthetic capabilities of DWSS is explored in a series of Case Studies where a number of sound object were generated revealing (i) the capabilities of the system to generate sound morphologies belonging to other non-standard synthesis approaches and, (ii) the capabilities of the system of generating novel sound objects with dynamic morphologies. The introduction of EWSS and DWSS is preceded by an extensive and critical overview on the concepts of microsound synthesis, algorithmic composition, the two cultures of computer music, the heretical approach in composition, non- standard synthesis and sonic emergence along with the thorough examination of algorithmic models and their application in sound synthesis and electroacoustic composition. This Thesis also proposes (i) a new definition for “algorithmic composition”, (ii) the term “totalistic algorithmic composition”, and (iii) four discrete aspects of non-standard synthesis.

Master of Music / The use of error by composers as a means of adding colour to a musical text has a long history, but the device is ultimately ineffective. Material whose significance is its incongruity is incorporated by recontextualization, and in time, becomes familiar and unremarkable. ‘Glitch’ is a stylistic mannerism within electroacoustic composition that emerged in the late 1990s. Glitch, or ‘microsound’, as it is known in an academic context, observes the conventions of music concrète, drawing on material sampled from the real world, and fashioning this into sonic narratives. Its signature is the ‘sound of failure’, sonorities characteristic of electronic devices malfunctioning or mis-used: clicks, crackles, distortions, fractured digital files. Glitch/microsound has already diminished from a movement to a mannerism, but its legacy is a refreshment of our palette of sonorities, and an interrogation of the very act of listening. This essay is short examination of the use (and nature) of noise a musical ingredient and the significance of glitch/microsound for electroacoustic composers. It concludes that this ‘style’ is little more than a nuance, and that its advent and advocacy were less to do with a new musical movement, than with a new generation of electronic composers attempting to distinguish itself.

Master of Music / The use of error by composers as a means of adding colour to a musical text has a long history, but the device is ultimately ineffective. Material whose significance is its incongruity is incorporated by recontextualization, and in time, becomes familiar and unremarkable. ‘Glitch’ is a stylistic mannerism within electroacoustic composition that emerged in the late 1990s. Glitch, or ‘microsound’, as it is known in an academic context, observes the conventions of music concrète, drawing on material sampled from the real world, and fashioning this into sonic narratives. Its signature is the ‘sound of failure’, sonorities characteristic of electronic devices malfunctioning or mis-used: clicks, crackles, distortions, fractured digital files. Glitch/microsound has already diminished from a movement to a mannerism, but its legacy is a refreshment of our palette of sonorities, and an interrogation of the very act of listening. This essay is short examination of the use (and nature) of noise a musical ingredient and the significance of glitch/microsound for electroacoustic composers. It concludes that this ‘style’ is little more than a nuance, and that its advent and advocacy were less to do with a new musical movement, than with a new generation of electronic composers attempting to distinguish itself.

La version intégrale de ce mémoire est disponible uniquement pour consultation individuelle à la Bibliothèque de musique de l'Université de Montréal (http://www.bib.umontreal.ca/MU) / Ce projet a consisté en la composition de deux pièces électroacoustiques sur support, Bits et Rarezas, à partir de sons conçus dans l'environnement de programmation Max. Cet outil nous a permis de mettre en place une démarche portant principalement sur la composition du son à partir de la manipulation et de l'organisation d'éléments sonores très simples (comme les micro-sons ou les ondes sinusoïdales). Les algorithmes sous forme de patche Max, nous ont permis de contrôler ces matériaux de façon efficace, pour construire les textures sonores complexes utilisées dans les pièces. Dans le premier chapitre de ce mémoire, nous avons abordé les idées de base nous ayant guidé sur les plans techniques (surtout pour l'élaboration des patches Max) et esthétiques; les sujets abordés dans cette partie incluent le micro-son, la synthèse granulaire et le minimalisme électronique. Le deuxième chapitre présente premièrement des généralités sur les patches Max, considérant tant les concepts de base des algorithmes que les stratégies utilisées pour interagir avec les patches et créer du son. Le reste du chapitre II aborde en détail les patches utilisés dans notre projet; nous y présentons la description en détail des interfaces-utilisateur, ainsi que les démarches typiques pour produire des textures sonores diverses; des extraits sonores (inclus dans le CD fourni) servent à illustrer les différentes possibilités. Enfin le dernier chapitre, aborde l'analyse des pièces Bits et Rarezas; nous avons choisi la terminologie proposée par Pierre Schaeffer dans son célèbre Traité des objets musicaux pour décrire les différents sons et textures qui constituent les pièces. / This project consists in the composition of two electroacoustic pieces for fixed media entitled Bits and Rarezas. Both works are based on sounds created in Max/MSP programming environment, a tool that has enabled an approach based mainly on the composition of sound by the manipulation and organization of very simple sound materials, such as microsounds and sinusoidal waves. The algorithms implemented in Max were used to efficiently control these sounds, building the complex sound textures used in the pieces. The first chapter is centered on the basic technical and aesthetic ideas that have guided me. These concepts include microsound, granular synthesis and electronic minimalism. For the second chapter I begin with an overview on the Max patches used, focusing on the concepts behind the algorithms as well as on the interaction strategies used to model the sound. The remaining part of the second chapter discusses in more detail the five patches Max used in the project, presenting a description of the user interfaces, as well as a discussion of the typical procedures to compose different types of sounds. A few sound excerpts have been included in the accompanying CD to illustrate the possibilities shown. Finally, the last chapter analyses in detail the pieces Bits and Rarezas. In order to describe the sounds and textures included in the pieces, I have used as a reference the terms proposed by Pierre Schaeffer in his seminal work: Traité des objets musicaux.