Abstract(s)
Founded in 2016 at Université de Montréal, Ensemble d’oscillateurs
(French for “Oscillator Ensemble”) brings together 10 musicians around
old analog test equipment oscillators that produce audio sine waves.
The ensemble performs new compositions while also arranging early
electronic pieces. In parallel, the project has developed itself as a space
to gather information and reflect on sine wave–based music. In this
article, the author presents some of the key considerations and challenges
in the formation of Ensemble d’oscillateurs. Based on observations
made throughout the development of a body of work using these audio
oscillators, he then aims to open a discussion on some aspects of the
historical trajectory of the use of sine waves in modern music.