UC San Diego

"Metagesamtkunstwerk: A Compositional Approach to Life" delves into a deeply personal and profound exploration of music and composition, reflecting a holistic life philosophy and an intertwining of lived experiences and creative pursuits. The central theme of the dissertation is the idea of a "Metagesamtkunstwerk", a term expanding upon Wagner's 'Gesamtkunstwerk' or "total artwork", suggesting an all-encompassing art form that extends beyond traditional artistic boundaries, penetrating life's very essence. Beginning with an introspection on my personal evolution, the dissertation examines three critical phases dubbed as the "first Supercycle". These phases — at CIEM in Mexico, HMT in Leipzig, and UCSD in San Diego — mark significant periods of musical growth and discovery, each offering unique perspectives and challenges. In Mexico, the groundwork is laid with "The Code - Ways to Compose", an exploration of foundational compositional techniques. Leipzig's phase, "Adding Parameters", dives deeper into the complexities of compositional parameters, expanding the initial groundwork. The phase at UCSD, "Studying Myself", represents an introspective journey, fusing the learnings from the past with a renewed understanding of one's musical identity. Central to the dissertation is the in-depth exploration of my piece "Coda", a work that epitomizes the idea of Metagesamtkunstwerk. This piece, born out of deep introspection and a desire to challenge compositional boundaries, represents the synthesis of the my musical journey. A rich tapestry of electroacoustic and electronic elements, "Coda" is a testament to the organic evolution of my relationship with electronics and technology in music. The use of the software Sibelius as an instrument elucidates a modern, technology-driven approach to composition, challenging traditional paradigms and underscoring the dissertation's central theme. In conclusion, "Metagesamtkunstwerk: A Compositional Approach to Life" offers not just a reflection on my musical journey, but an invitation to view life itself as an intricate, evolving composition, enriched by experiences, challenges, and discoveries.