RESEARCH
Composition as a Space of Inquiry
Martin Loridan’s research develops through composition, instrumental experimentation and collaborative practice. It explores resonance, gesture, instrumental space and the transformation of acoustic bodies. Each project emerges from a specific artistic question and develops through works, prototypes, performances and exchanges with musicians, instrument makers, technicians and researchers.
01 — FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH
Air and Breath as Compositional Material
2017–2022
Doctoral Research
University of Leeds
Souffle explores air, breath and friction as compositional materials. Rather than treating breath as an isolated effect or extended technique, the research develops it as a continuum connecting the human body, instrumental gesture, resonance, energy and musical form. The project was developed through a corpus of nine works and completed as a PhD in Composition at the University of Leeds.
02 — INSTRUMENTAL RESEARCH
Rethinking the Body and Resonance of the Piano
2021–2023
Prototype Development
Piano and Intra-Instrumental Practice
Extended Pedal reconsiders the physical relationship between performer, pedal and piano. An external mechanical extension allows musicians to move around the instrument and work directly inside its body while retaining control of the dampers and resonance. Developed with a piano maker and performers, the project generated a prototype and a cycle of works exploring movement, resonance and expanded instrumental gesture.
03 — CURRENT RESEARCH
External Active Amplification for Acoustic Instruments
2022–ongoing
Current Artistic Research
Acoustic–Electronic Hybridisation
Organic Augmented Instruments develops external, removable and non-invasive active-amplification systems for acoustic instruments. Instead of separating the acoustic source from loudspeaker diffusion, the instrument’s own vibrating body becomes the surface through which amplified and electronic sound emerges. Current studies focus on piano, cello and harp through collaboration between composition, performance, instrument making and technical development.
CONTINUITIES
Research Trajectory
From breath to resonating and active instruments
01 — SOUFFLE
Air, breath, friction and corporeal-instrumental resonance
02 — EXTENDED PEDAL
Resonance, spatial gesture and transformation of instrumental control
03 — ORGANIC AUGMENTED INSTRUMENTS
Activation of acoustic bodies through external amplification
These projects do not form a single linear programme. Each responds to a distinct artistic question, while extending recurring concerns with resonance, instrumental embodiment and the porous boundary between acoustic and electronic sound.
Selected Research Outcomes
A. DOCTORAL RESEARCH
Souffle: Air and Breath as a Composition Material
PhD in Composition · University of Leeds · 2022
B. INSTRUMENTAL PROTOTYPES
Extended Pedal
An external mechanical system enabling direct pedal control from multiple positions around the grand piano.
External Active Amplification Systems
Removable activation systems allowing amplified and electronic sound to emerge through the vibrating body of acoustic instruments.
C. WORKS AS RESEARCH OUTCOMES
D. RESEARCH CONTEXTS
University of Leeds · Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles · Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS · Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
COLLABORATION
Research Through Collaboration
The projects develop through exchanges with performers, instrument makers, technicians, ensembles and academic partners. These collaborations allow compositional questions to be tested through instrumental practice, prototype development, rehearsal and performance.
Performers · Instrument Makers · Technicians · Ensembles · Academic Partners
WORKS & COLLABORATION
Research develops through works
Explore the catalogue of compositions connected to these projects, or get in touch regarding artistic research, collaboration and performance.