What is Telemusic?

‘Telemusic is the 2020 Practical Project created by undergraduate students studying at the University of York’s Music Department ’

Telemusic explores the idea of music and distance and how, from antiphonal music to recent advances in telecommunications, we have used sound to bring us together while being physically apart. All the music you will experience in this project is related to this main idea, however, examined through a multiplicity of approaches: from historically inspired performances and compositions, to musical investigations of what can be achieved through sound recording technologies and telematic performance (online music-making). The project also takes inspiration from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s 1966 electronic composition Telemusik. 

2020 has thrown a lot of hurdles in the way of live music performance, but we didn’t let this stop us creating a practical project like no other. With changing regulations, constant mask-wearing, social-distancing and self-isolation, there have certainly been many challenges, but we hope you enjoy the project, as we’re so proud to share it. 

Our annual departmental Practical Project is a herculean task at the best of times. Involving all first-year students and many second and third years too, an intensive five-week rehearsal period culminates in a succession of public performances. Due to coronavirus, however, we had to adapt as we were not able to present the public performances we planned. Instead, we decided to film the performances, as well as record and release new music and videos that we are presenting both as an edited two hour film and as this interactive website.

You can view the film at the YorkConcerts youtube channel