Functional orchestration is an approach to orchestration (orchestration practice as well as music theory and orchestration analysis) that attempts to link orchestration techniques with perceptual effects by considering their musical and perceptual goals (functions).

This lecture explores the seemingly natural affinities between music and geometry. Various kinds of geometric representations have been applied to music: low-dimensional spatial representations, (sub)groups and group transformations, and Quinn’s balance pan representation of Lewin’s Fourier properties. Results will be presented in which these geometric representational are applied to tonal and rhythmic hierarchies, key distances, and harmonic expectations.

This talk will present my recent work in searching for good signal representations that permit high-level manipulation of musical concepts. After the definition of a geometric approach to signal representation, I will present my theory of sound-types and its application to music. Finally, I will propose musical applications including assisted orchestration and augmented instruments.