Netzmusik

This volume examines forms of music that utilize the possibilities of the Internet and are created under its conditions. It discusses the essential specifics of the internet, which practices of net-specific music exist and what characterizes their production, performance and reception contexts.

Previous studies have only looked at isolated aspects of networked music-making. In order to provide a basis for further research in this area for the first time, this study was designed as an overview.

At the beginning, the volume deals with questions of communication and interaction on the net, the special audio-technical conditions and the spectrum of cultural practices that are relevant for making music on the net.

Part 2 analyzes around 70 examples of net music that were collected using a field research approach and classifies them according to the dimensions of network reference, interactivity and complexity. Here, connections between technical, aesthetic and social elements are examined.

Part 3 discusses the reception conditions of interactive net music and evaluates expert surveys on the production conditions of net music.

In summary, net music proves to be an open structure of electronic processes on a technical-formal level. The structure of these processes aims at different aesthetic and social results: Complex temporary networks can test the possibilities of social communication and put the aesthetic product at the back. However, the virtual space can also be placed in relation to the physical space in order to aestheticize the qualities of the electronic space. Compositional structures can be implemented as flexible systems in order to find new musical-aesthetic territory by means of new forms of musical communication.

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