Beyond the Octave: The Influence of Non-Western Tuning Systems on Western Contemporary Music
Publication: Will be published in Volume VI of Mackingerverlag
Presented during: Day 1 of the VI International Symposium: Mikrotöne – Small Is Beautiful
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 — Online presentation as part of the program
Hosted by: Mozarteum University Salzburg / Sacellum Church
Beyond the Octave explores how non-Western tuning systems—particularly those derived from Persian and other modal traditions—have influenced Western contemporary music. It examines the intersections of microtonality, timbre, and cultural expression, revealing how cross-cultural engagement reshapes modern compositional thought. By drawing on both historical and personal perspectives, the paper illustrates how “beyond the octave” thinking challenges conventional tonal boundaries and expands our understanding of sound, identity, and artistic modernity.
