Today, we organized a Workshop on Concert Research at RITMO. I held the opening lecture, giving an overview of the concert research conducted in the fourMs Lab at the University of Oslo from the early 2000s to today.
Over the years, we have explored and refined our data capture methods. Initially, we did qualitative observation studies combined with interviews and performer diaries. Then, we moved on to video-based analyses, including the development of the Musical Gestures Toolbox. Based on generous funding from UiO and the Research Council of Norway, we have built up a collection of advanced motion capture equipment over the years. Today, the fourMs Lab is well-equipped to tackle all musical challenges.
At the core of our research has always been trying to shed light on the complexity of music performance. This includes understanding the subtleties of the performer’s sound-producing actions, sound-facilitating motion, and communicative and expressive gestures. It also includes the intricacies of inter-personal synchronization. With better equipment and knowledge, we have expanded from studying duos, trios, and quartets to full orchestras. Today, we have lots of data, some answers, and even more questions than when we started. An excellent starting point for future research.
A recording of my presentation is available on OSF, and the slides are also available.