RESEARCH

Composition as a Space of Inquiry

Martin Loridan’s research uses composition as a mode of inquiry, moving from breath and friction as material, through performable resonance, towards the transformation of acoustic instruments into active resonant bodies. The work develops through instrumental experimentation and sustained collaboration with performers, makers and technicians.

Abstract black, white and earth-toned artwork evoking air, friction and material movement.

01 — FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH

Souffle

Air and Breath as Compositional Material

2017–2022

Doctoral Research

Souffle investigates air, breath and friction as compositional material, asking how their transformations can organise gesture, resonance, perception and musical form.

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02 — PIANO RESEARCH

Extended Pedal

Rethinking the Body and Resonance of the Piano

2021–2023

Prototype Development

Extended Pedal makes the grand piano’s resonance directly performable through a removable external damper-control mechanism, opening new relationships between gesture, movement, space and resonance.

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Close-up of the strings and interior structure of a grand piano under low warm light.

External vibration device positioned against the wooden body of an acoustic instrument.

03 — CURRENT RESEARCH

Organic Augmented Instruments

External Active Amplification for Acoustic Instruments

2022–ongoing

Current Artistic Research

Organic Augmented Instruments explores non-invasive active amplification by returning sound into acoustic instruments, turning their resonant bodies into active interfaces between material resonance, electronics and performer control.

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RESEARCH THROUGH COLLABORATION

Research as a Shared Practice

Across the three projects, composition, prototyping, rehearsal and performance function as interconnected modes of testing. Sustained collaboration allows instruments, techniques and works to evolve together.

Performers · Instrument Makers · Technicians · Ensembles · Academic Partners

WORKS & COLLABORATION

From Research to Works

Explore compositions emerging from these lines of enquiry.

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Discuss a Research Collaboration