The Ontology of Live Notations Through Assemblage Theory

This paper uses assemblage theory to help develop an ontological framework for better understanding live notation practice. Originally developed by Deleuze and Guattari across a range of theoretical writings, assemblage theory is more fully explicated in the work of Manuel de Landa in the more focused context of social ontology. This paper examines the basic concepts of assemblage theory such as material components, expressive capacities, and relations of exteriority and how they may pro-vide useful insights in the analysis of music which explores the creative potential of live notation. The temporal dynamics of non-linear musical forms are discussed and assemblage theory is shown to be a powerful tool for promoting a better understanding of how the various interactions between material and expressive components help catalyze the emergent properties of the assemblage and through it, the ontological identity of a live notation aesthetic practice.