Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

• The new stage of bass trombone: study on the music of Daniel Schnyder (2024) author(s): Hongyi Gu published in: Codarts
  Many of the top musicians in the world have performed and recorded Daniel Schnyder's music, a Swiss-American composer and saxophonist.His compositions often combine elements of jazz, classical music, and world music. In this research, the focus is on his piece Subzero, which was composed for bass trombone and orchestra. The aim of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of Schnyder's musical approach, with a particular focus on the extended techniques used in the piece. One of the key areas of investigation is the use of extended techniques such as multiple tongues, varied vibratos, and glissandos with growling. These techniques are not typically associated with the bass trombone, and their use in Subzero is part of what makes the piece so unique. Through a thorough analysis of these techniques and their use in composition, this research aims to shed new light on Schnyder's creative process. Another important aspect of the research is an in-depth analysis of the musicality of each movement, with a particular focus on the second movement, Samai Thaquil. This movement is based on a rhythmic groove from Turkey that has been adapted by Arabs and is often used for belly dancing and celebration. The research explores the ways in which Schnyder incorporates this groove into the piece and the various possibilities it offers for exploring the timbre of the bass trombone with different mutes. To achieve these aims, the research employs a range of methods, including the collection of literature and media, interviews with several experts, the study of recordings from different artists, various experiments, and structural analysis of the movements. By using these methods, the research aims to provide new insights into Schnyder's work and its impact on the bass trombone repertoire. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute to the understanding of Daniel Schnyder's musical approach and the ways in which he incorporates extended techniques and world music influences into his compositions for the bass trombone. Through a range of methods and a detailed analysis of the composition, the research aims to provide new insights into Schnyder's creative process and shed new light on the possibilities for the bass trombone as a solo instrument in contemporary music.
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• The voice with the cello: Siete canciones populares españolas. (2024) author(s): Paloma Garrote Vélez published in: Codarts
  With this research, I intended to make a journey through Siete Canciones Populares Españolas (1914) by Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), in its arrangement for cello and piano by Maurice Maréchal (1892-1964), exploring the impact of the most common techniques in singing, such as phrasing, prosody, accentuation or diction among others, on the cello. My main goal was being aware of the potential contact points between both instruments to improve my interpretation. Besides the exploration of the vocal technique, in each part of the research the most characteristic aspects of each song were analyzed. In the first cycle, I focused on longer phrasing and breathing in accordance with the text to generate pauses in the melody, using El paño moruno, Nana and Asturiana. In the second cycle, I focused on the diction and articulation, and also on the techniques of flamenco playing in Cancion and Polo. Finally, the third cycle explores the use of vibrato and projection using the Jota.
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• Create the Present, Recreate the Past (2024) author(s): DAVID VAAMONDE LÓPEZ published in: Codarts
  The following report documents a research project that aims to incorporate improvisation in classical piano recitals in an effective way, as a manner of refreshing such an old-fashioned format. In order to make it possible, the process started by mapping the field, developing basic skills in improvising interludes between written pieces and reading literature on improvisation as a concept. Regarding the need for a larger amount of technical and artistic resources, a more intensive study on piano extended techniques applied to improvisation and free improvisation was carried out, finishing the project with a focus on analysing the own aesthetics and working on proportion (time management). The artistic results are satisfactory, fulfilling the initial goals. Thus, the improvised interludes work sufficiently on their own and in relation to the written pieces surrounding them, thanks to the development of an efficient system that allows the improviser to adapt them to various contexts, according to their artistic needs. As a result, they are capable of adding artistic value to the content of a regular programme, potentially changing the perception of the listener and enhancing their engagement to the musical act. Such outcomes can serve as an inspiration to other musicians in order to start their own process, getting as close and incorporating as many elements of this one as they wish, with the intention of achieving a similar artistic development as the one derived from this research project.
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• Polyrhythms in Prog Music (2024) author(s): Erik Stein published in: Codarts
  My research takes place in the domain of drumming focusing on the world of polyrhythms; looking at how to integrate them in my own compositions but also how to use them in any kind of genre or situation. As for my experience, polyrhythms and groupings are extremely effective tools to sound more musical and more interesting; expanding the realm of popular patterns without losing the essence of the role of a drummer in today's western music. Motivated by curiosity, this research covers a 360 angle view of how to use them, focusing on grooves & rhythms - fills & Improvisation - multilayering rhythms and phrasing. Documentation and annotation will serve AV demonstrations for practical use and the involvement of carefully selected experts and peers will provide necessary feedback to stay on track. On a broader spectrum my findings can be translated to other players, inspire band members and open up doors for an alternative approach. Polyrhythms infused with dynamics and the right amount of dosing can sound easy and complex at the same time. This is what makes this subject not only part of a niche but can also be introduced to a wider audience. Researching mainly in the progressive rock domain, analyzing players such as Danny Carey, Gavin Harrison and Thomas Haake, my conclusions will be AV recordings and can be summarized in a ‘methodical’ overview.
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• Implementing Modern Production Techniques in a Live Music Context (2023) author(s): Cristian-Stefan Prajescu published in: Codarts
  My motivation to start this research began with the following question I’ve asked myself: “When producing and performing my own music, will applying modern production techniques consciously influence my production skills and help me at the same time in a live performance situation?” Given the advance of modern music production technology, the modern music producer can now use virtual instruments and automate audio effects such as delay or reverb to affect a sound at different stages throughout the arrangement, in order to achieve the desired musical expression. When we look at a live performance, we see one or more musicians playing and manipulating the sounds in real time, in order to deliver an inspiring and entertaining act. Another question I’ve asked myself: “Is it possible to apply automation in a live context to enhance my performance and manipulate sounds heavily with audio effects in the arranging phase in order to create interesting sonic textures, from which the track and my live performance would become more entertaining?” At the beginning of my master studies my performances were flat and not entertaining, as they were featuring me as a performer struggling to switch between instruments during the performance. Throughout this research I have analysed in depth both conventional and non-conventional uses of these techniques, how other artists are implementing them into their music and live performances, and experimented with them in my own music, by using appropriate research strategies such as literature desk research, case studies and self critical practice. This methodology led me to find creative ways to enhance my production skills and make my performances more engaging and entertaining, and can also serve as inspiration for music producers and artists that would like to implement these modern production techniques into their own workflow and take advantage of them in their live performances.
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  UNVEILING THE FOLK DANCE IDENTITY OF CARL NIELSEN'S CLARINET CONCERTO OPUS 57: A FYNSKE MODERNIST STORYTELLING (2022) author(s): Ettore Cauvin published in: Codarts
  Carl Nielsen's Clarinet Concerto Opus 57 is a work of a problematic nature for both performers and audiences, who always find it difficult to understand its rich yet intricate content. Despite copious written material, many interpretations are unfortunately significantly misleading because of the extreme technical difficulty of the music and the lack of information about the composer’s identity, especially concerning his production for clarinet and the distinct role of the instrument in Nielsen's life. My research shows that the composer's roots, the development of his production and the uniqueness of Danish folklore and related dances uncover narrative levels which are fundamental to a correct reading, not only of this work but of Nielsen's music in general. This study aims to create a multidisciplinary performance that combines the original score with dance and storytelling to enhance its peculiar characteristics, such as the bipolarity of characters and the intrinsic reminiscence of elements of Danish folklore within specific sections. Based on an extensive critical literature review and a fruitful expert consultation, I made analyses, charts and transcriptions, attaching explanatory video recordings as the basis of my work. Thanks to my field research trip to Denmark, I started designing a new performance combining the folk-related investigation and the extra-musical elements linked to Nielsen’s identity, to both the musical interpretation and imaginative dance performance to show the bipolarity of characters as well as portray the inner storytelling. The goal of my research here is not to demonstrate Carl Nielsen’s compositional willingness but to establish relations which can help the performer and the audience to connect the music to its vital folk heritage, extraordinary customised spirit and distinctiveness in both dance and storytelling. The artistic result is, in fact, a new hybrid performance of the work which portrays the complex music more consciously and innovatively, combining an informed musical approach with an imaginative choreography and active interplay between the contrasting manic episodes and the homeward feeling of the heartening sections, letting the audience partake in the musical narration. Despite the complex construction and demanding realisation of this kind of creative approach, I firmly believe that the result of this research makes an essential contribution to the understanding and interpretation not only of this work but of the music and identity of Carl Nielsen and the Danish musical tradition for the world of classical music and beyond. Further research is needed to shed light on the relations between classical and folk music, within performing arts in general, to strengthen their essential role in today's society to make what is usually considered a niche more accessible to the public by exploiting its unique characteristics for a more sustainable artistic and social usefulness.
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