In the 1970s, a compositional approach was developed that is based primarily on the natural properties of sound. Using computer software, composers were able to analyze a sound and isolate its component overtones into structures known as spectra. These analyses allowed them to identify complex patterns within the sound and to extrapolate a new type of music that came to be known, somewhat inadequately, as spectralism.

Several recent spectral composers have denounced the term spectralism as overly reductive with a doctrinaire implication. Instead, they view this style of music as consistent with a general attitude towards composition that has its roots in spectral research. This dissertation demonstrates that, despite the presence of common techniques, spectralism exhibits a certain flexibility of style that transcends a dogmatic compositional belief system.

This dissertation is a broad overview of the variety of techniques, aesthetic approaches, and historical influences that have been grouped into the spectral category. Chapter One discusses the philosophical foundations of spectral music and Chapter Two describes historical precedents for the development of spectralism. Turning to more practical considerations, Chapter Three identifies techniques commonly employed by spectral composers and Chapter Four provides examples of how these techniques are applied in musical compositions. In Chapter Five, I describe how I applied the techniques of spectralism in two of my recent pieces: Through the Turmoil of Liquid Skies (2008) and Shifting Thunder (2009). The scores of these pieces are included as Chapters Six and Seven. In addition, two appendices are included that provide the spectral calculations on which the music of Through the Turmoil of Liquid Skies and Shifting Thunder are based.

As a whole, this dissertation characterizes the aesthetic, philosophical, and technical bases for spectral music. The inclusion of two of my compositions demonstrates possible applications of spectralism, and how my own attitude towards composition has begun to develop as a result of this research.