Opera Composition and Performance Utilising Computer-Based Recording Technologies and Virtual Instruments: A Case Study

Eve Klein, University of New England Part of CW15

Classical music has resisted incorporating music technologies into compositional practices, in part because technology allows greater access to the techniques and timbres associated with virtuosic human acoustic performance. However, classical music composition and production can be enabled by music technologies, and they offer an effective vehicle for women to test and occupy the role of composer, performer and producer. This paper outlines how home-studio music production technologies were used to compose and stage The Pomegranate Cycle (2010, 2013). The Pomegranate Cycle was composed, recorded, performed and produced by a female opera singer using consumer-level recording technologies. This self-directed methodology is unique in opera, providing a model for other singer-composers.