In our final segment of this course, we talk about the evolution of music being used in utilitarian ways (versus artistic ways), holograms performing on stage, Vocaloids and voice synthesis, virtual concerts held in cyberspace, and the artifical intelligence boom in the field of music creation.

To view the videos this audio is taken from, as well as related links and slides, visit: https://is.gd/YaVxR2

If you’re interested in purchasing the online textbook for this course, find instructions on how to do that at https://sarahwallinhuff.com/history-of-technology-in-music

Unit 14b: Utilitarian Music, Holograms, Virtual Concerts, and A.I.

It's become a little tradition of mine that, whenever Christmas is at the door, I pick a well known and beloved (and often happy) Christmas tune, and I twist it around to turn it into something darker, slightly evil, and definitely more metal. This year, a friend came up with the suggestion to have a look at "Carol of the Bells", which is how this short and "sweet" tune came out. Hopefully I'll soon have enough of these tracks to put a Christmas EP out. Happy holidays!

As usual, everything was written and recorded using open source and free tools: Ardour, MuseScore, Hydrogen/DrumGizmo (MuldjordKit), sfizz, Calf, DragonFly Reverb, Virtual Playing Orchestra and others. All guitars were recorded using my POD X3 Live instead.

Carol of the Hells

Ernst - Last Rose of the Summer / Ion Mazur, violin

Ernst - The Last Rose of the Summer / Ion Mazur, violin

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The Ambientalist - Arrakis (2025 Extended Mix)

Follow me:
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The Ambientalist - Field Of Dreams

Featuring Sarah Wallin Huff on violin and viola, with Marina Tseova on cello.
This new work for string trio incorporates some of the musical tropes characteristic of Nordic “symphonic metal” and employed by some of the composer’s favorite bands, such as Within Temptation and Nightwish. The goal of this trio is to provide a fun, feverish, and driving experience for players and listeners alike, that all may sense the reckless freedom of pure personal expression. Rock on!

Get the sheet music: https://sjwallin.gumroad.com/l/ecstasy

High Strung

Stream/Buy

Flight of Ecstasy

Originally created and performed by Guns N' Roses in 1988, this rendition features a string trio arranged by Sarah Wallin Huff. Violin and viola are performed by Sarah Wallin Huff, with Marina Tseova on cello.

Get the sheet music: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/sweet-child-o-mine-20596130.html

Sweet Child o' Mine

First created and released by the Pat Metheny Group in 1984, this arrangement for string quartet by Sarah Wallin Huff features all the complexity and virtuosic groove of the powerful original. Featuring Sarah Wallin Huff on violins and viola, with Marina Tseova on cello.

Get the sheet music: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/first-circle-23043880.html

The First Circle

The Ambientalist - Emerald Dream

Dark Passion Play

Bye Bye Beautiful

Amaranth

Sarah Wallin Huff has enjoyed her work as a composer for concert halls and soundtracks since 1993. Her original compositions have been performed throughout the States and abroad, including the Exeter Phoenix Auditorium in Devon, England; the Mosman Art Gallery in Sydney, Australia; the Zipper Hall in Los Angeles; and the National Opera Center in New York City. As a violinist, violist, and 6-string electric violinist, she has extensive experience playing with diverse ensembles, as well as performing on various recording projects, large and small.
- Multiple GMA medal award winner
- Second-place winner of the Charles Ives Award (The American Prize)
- "Her music positively buzzes with energy…There is no doubting that Sarah Wallin Huff has a distinctive voice that is well worth hearing..." (Fanfare Magazine)
- "Her music is quite complex and unusual and yet…very easy to absorb and appreciate. There’s a lot to take in here…" (Baby Sue)
- "Sarah’s music has a classy, understated sound, yet it is baroque and ornate" (Artist Rack)