Spectral Tablature is a series of collaborative installations that explore sound generated through visual processes. Sound is recorded or synthesized using common techniques then converted into images called spectral analysis. These forms are re-interpreted as a visual artifact then converted back into sound. For each pair, or “duet,” the similarities and differences in tone and texture can be heard as well as seen in the work. [ swipe to continue ]

Vocal Exercises with John Keston Senior

In this pair I collaborated with my father (also named John Keston) who was the subject for the vocal recording. The image represents the spectral analysis of the recorded vocalizations. Frequency is the y-axis and time is the x-axis. The darker lines are the fundamental frequecies. The faded areas show overtones and undertones. [ swipe to continue ]

Vocal Exercises Reprise (formant sequence)

Here the recorded vocalizations are regenerated using formant sequencing, a technique that synthesizes human vowels sounds and sibilance similar to speech synthesis. Instead of sampling the audio, a collection of parameters are extracted from the signal that control filters over time in a “formant sequence.” [ swipe to continue ]

Synthetic Arches

In print form the spectral analysis of this synthesized, arpeggiated sequence generates a precise, geometric pattern that is rarely seen in acoustic signals. [ swipe to continue ]

Synthetic Arches Reprise with Jasio Stefanski

Collaborator Jasio Stefanski’s interpretation of the piece was deconstructed using a system of shapes and colors that simplify and emphasize the geometric forms. Ironically, when coverted back into sound, the texture of the paper and screen printed inks produce more complexity than the original synthesized oscillations. [ swipe to continue ]

Rubato Etude #9

This sparse piano composition illustrates the dense and organized frequency spectrum of the instrument while the sustain pedal is held. [ swipe to continue ]

Rubato Etude #9 Reprise with Jon Davis

In this interpretation by Jon Davis the spectral analysis of the piano recording has been composited with a processed photograph of rail cars producing an organic noise along with the piano textures.