Philipp von Neumann
Philipp von Neumann is a composer and performer of contemporary electronic music based in Essen, Germany.
Von Neumann explores fundamental techniques of digital sound synthesis, algorithmic structures, and an experimental approach to musical form. His works delve into themes such as collective mental exhaustion, utopian states of being, and striving towards acceptance as a mechanism of decision making.
He does not consider his compositions as finished pieces but rather as snapshots of his current practice. His creative process is the artwork itself, which he describes as “Permacomposing”-a concept he developed by drawing ideas from permaculture, cybernetics, and maintenance art. Permacomposing embodies a conscious approach to materials and tools, a sustainable engagement with one’s mental capacities, and a networked, diverse mode of working.
As an advocate of the open-source movement, von Neumann develops his own tools and software and shares them with the public. He also writes and publishes texts on topics such as Permacomposing, sound synthesis, and computer music.
Biography
Long Bio
Philipp von Neumann (b. 1989 in Essen, Germany, as Philipp Neumann) is a composer and performer of contemporary electronic music. He currently studies Electronic Composition at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen under Michael Edwards, following earlier academic studies in Philosophy and Biology.
Von Neumann’s artistic work spans solo performances, multichannel compositions, and interdisciplinary collaborations, especially in the field of contemporary dance. His music has been presented at festivals and institutions such as the NOW! Festival (Essen) and ZKM | Center for Art and Media (Karlsruhe). He has participated in artist residencies and composed commissioned works for dance productions and media installations.
At the core of his practice lies the concept of Permacomposing, which he developed by drawing from permaculture, cybernetics, and maintenance art. This idea understands composition as an open, reflective process rather than a final product—emphasizing sustainability, slowness, and a conscious relationship with tools and material. Von Neumann’s work often explores themes such as collective exhaustion, the aesthetics of failure, and networked musical forms.
In addition to his artistic output, he is engaged in music technology and education. He has worked as a tutor for sound synthesis at Folkwang University and has curated the experimental concert series Stromspiesser. He actively contributes to the open-source movement by developing and publishing custom software tools for sound and structure, and regularly shares his thoughts through writing on topics including computer music, synthesis, and Permacomposing.
From 2020 to 2023, he also served as a board member of a cultural-educational non-profit organization supporting participatory art and artistic research.
Medium Bio
Philipp von Neumann is a composer and performer of contemporary electronic music based in Essen, Germany. His work includes solo and ensemble performances, collaborations with dancers, and multichannel compositions. His music has been presented at venues such as ZKM Karlsruhe and the NOW! Festival.
His artistic process centers around Permacomposing, a concept he developed as a sustainable, open-ended approach to composition inspired by permaculture and cybernetics. He is especially interested in digital synthesis, algorithmic structures, and the aesthetics of incompleteness.
Von Neumann has worked as a tutor for sound synthesis and curated the concert series Stromspiesser. He develops open-source software and publishes writings on sound, systems, and artistic process.
Short Bio
Philipp von Neumann is a composer of electronic music based in Essen. His work explores synthesis, systems, and sustainable creative processes. He is the originator of Permacomposing, a concept that understands composition as an open-ended, reflective practice. His music has been presented at ZKM Karlsruhe, NOW! Festival, and elsewhere.