Oscillatoriana

Oscillatoriana is a term used to describe the collective body of work, art, and culture surrounding oscillators, which are electronic devices that generate periodic, repetitive signals. The term was coined by artist and musician Brian Eno in the 1970s, and it has since been used to describe a wide range of artistic and musical practices that involve the use of oscillators.

Oscillators are fundamental components in electronic music and audio synthesis. They generate a continuous, repetitive waveform, such as sine, square, or triangle waves, which can be manipulated and combined to create complex sounds. In the context of oscillatoriana, oscillators are often used in experimental music, sound art, and electronic dance music (EDM).

Artists and musicians working within the oscillatoriana tradition often explore the aesthetic and sonic possibilities of oscillators, pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional or expected. This can involve the use of unconventional waveforms, the manipulation of oscillator parameters in real-time, or the integration of oscillators with other electronic and acoustic instruments.

Oscillatoriana is not limited to music and sound art. It also encompasses visual art, performance art, and other forms of creative expression that involve the use of oscillators. For example, some artists use oscillators to generate visual patterns or to control the behavior of other electronic devices.

Despite its relatively niche status, oscillatoriana has had a significant impact on contemporary art and music. It has influenced a wide range of artists and musicians, from electronic music pioneers like Eno and Karlheinz Stockhausen to contemporary experimentalists like Tim Hecker and Autechre. The term oscillatoriana continues to be used by artists and scholars to describe the diverse and ever-evolving body of work that surrounds oscillators.