2025
Beyond the Octave: Recent Works and a Report on Microtonal Activity in Czechia and Slovakia
SLOBODA, MatejBasic information
Original name
Beyond the Octave: Recent Works and a Report on Microtonal Activity in Czechia and Slovakia
Authors
Edition
International Symposium Mikrotöne: Small is beautiful VI. Mozarteum University Salzburg, Mirabellplatz 1, Salzburg, Austria, 2025
Other information
Language
English
Type of outcome
Presentations at conferences
Field of Study
60403 Performing arts studies
Country of publisher
Austria
Confidentiality degree
is not subject to a state or trade secret
References:
Marked to be transferred to RIV
Yes
Organization unit
Faculty of Music
Keywords in English
Microtonal music; Mikroskop – Platform of microtonal music; MicroFest Prague; Josef Berg; just intonation music notation
Changed: 31/3/2026 12:02, doc. PhDr. Petr Lyko, Ph.D. et Ph.D.
Abstract
In the original language
"Beyond the Octave: Recent Works and a Report on Microtonal Activity in Czechia and Slovakia” This presentation consists of two parts: an overview of selected recent compositions exploring non-octave and just intonation systems, and a concise report on current microtonal activities in Czechia and Slovakia. My compositional work often involves alternative tuning systems as structural and expressive tools. I will present object:90 (2024), Six Lines (2025) and For Michael... (2024), which are composed in non-octave temperaments and explore controlled linear writing, tuning-based tension, and emergent harmony. In contrast, Flocke für Hans (2022) and Consonanze Stravaganti e Lumi Danzanti (2024) are based in just intonation. The second part offers a brief look at the current microtonal landscape in the region. Czechia has seen a growing presence of microtonal composition in institutional settings–with platform such as MicroFest Prague, based at HAMU. Slovakia, although institutionally less visible, has shown steady continuity of activity, particularly through the work of EnsembleSpectrum and the Mikroskop concert series in Bratislava. Rather than attempting an exhaustive survey, this presentation focuses on practical examples, programming contexts, and personal involvement. Audio recordings and score excerpts will accompany the talk.