Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

• 3. Internal publication Research published in this issue are only for internal circulation within the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague.
• 2. Royal Conservatoire Investigations Royal Conservatoire Investigations
• 1. Master Research Projects All research in KC

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  Auctor incertus: Issues of authorship and anonymity around Missa Inviolata (ca. 1520s) (2024) author(s): Isaac Alonso de Molina published in: KC Research Portal
  A six-part polyphonic setting of the ordinary of the Mass survives as a unicum in manuscript 1967 of the Biblioteca Central de Barcelona, Spain. Although it is clearly the most significant piece in the manuscript, it has received considerably less attention from specialized ensembles than the rest of the repertoire contained therein. This may be due to several factors, chief among them being that the manuscript provides no indication of the composer’s identity. Such anonymity is quite common when dealing with early repertoires. This research aims to address this situation critically and offer several practical, performer-oriented strategies to overcome it.
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  ‘What are the most effective collaborative strategies to seamlessly integrate instrumental music and theatre in family performances?’ (2024) author(s): Inge Mulder Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The aim of this research is to elaborate on the most effective collaborative strategies for seamlessly integrating instrumental music and theatre into family performances. To create context and background, this research addresses the anticipated role and dynamic evolution of instrumental music in theatre. The theoretical framework consists out of the ‘issue of narrativity’ (Meelberg, 2008c) which focusses on frame of reference influence, according to Robert Zatorre (2005), combined with insight from the models of collaboration: ‘het Kompas’ (Bremekamp et al., 2010), ‘the five dysfunctions of a team’ (Lencioni, 2002) and the ‘forming–storming–norming–performing model of group development’ (Tuckman, 1965). This research examines the methods of organizations such as Oorkaan and Het Houten, mapping the established frameworks for instrumental music and theatre. Throughout these theories the complex reality of collaborations within the characteristics of family performances (i.e. a linear progression with a cyclical feel) is systematically described and analyzed, resulting in a new conceptual model. The model was tested by conducting semi-structured interviews combined with field research. Findings were that the sharper the definition of the target group, the clearer the cooperation and the more distinctive the product. This outcome becomes a realistic goal when the direction and associated process is clear. Furthermore, the framework can be used as a tool for those wishing to enter the field of interdisciplinary collaboration between theatre and music, with a focus on family performances. It is relevant for graduates in order to achieve a successful collaboration. They need to overcome challenges at the start of their career due to lack of knowledge of each other’s discipline.
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  vimu.app: Creating a visual musicology editor (2024) author(s): Chris Beutel Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  In recent decades, the application of computers has transformed data processing across scientific disciplines, including musicology and music theory. This evolution has led to the development of computer-aided musical analysis tools, which have revolutionized music research by enabling rapid and precise analysis of extensive musical datasets. However, a significant hurdle remains: the need for technical expertise and programming skills, potentially creating a divide between musicologists proficient in technical aspects and those that are not. This thesis explores the usage of node graphs and visual programming to bridge this gap and introduces a solution we call ’vimu’. vimu offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a visual editing experience, simplifying the utilization of computational functions without requiring computer science or programming knowledge. Unlike some previous GUIs for music analysis, vimu is designed for user-friendliness, avoiding complex installations and ensuring ongoing support. vimu is fully available online and can be accessed via https://vimu.app.
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  The studio production approach to live sound: Recreation of creative mixing techniques and sound design elements in live music performances (2024) author(s): Kaan Yazici Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This thesis investigates the implementation of a studio production approach into live sound engineering, examining benefits and challenges of implementing nuanced sound design elements and mixing techniques commonly found in studio recording. It highlights the historical separation and recent convergence of studio and live sound realms, spurred by technological advancements. Employing literature review, expert interviews, and firsthand application of studio techniques in live settings, the study suggests that the implementation of modern audio technologies guided by a clear artistic approach, allows for the successful implementation of mixing techniques and the sound design elements of a studio production in live performances. Benefits range from enhanced artistic expression and musical narrative possibilities to precise sound control and superior fidelity, albeit with challenges like technical complexity, loss of spontaneity, and higher setup time and costs. The thesis highlights the critical role of collaboration between engineers and artists to ensure that the application of studio techniques enhances rather than detracts from the live experience. It advocates for a flexible, context-sensitive approach that considers the genre, venue, and audience expectations while implementing redundancy and utilizing techniques like virtual soundcheck in order to balance out the technical challenges. Ultimately, the thesis concludes that while the pursuit of studio-quality sound in live settings introduces complexities, it also opens up new possibilities for creative expression and audience engagement, enriching the live music landscape.
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• The role of metaphors in enhancing expressivity in piano education (2024) author(s): Thanos Katsaras Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Metaphors play an important role in describing effectively the qualities of an emotional state due to the advantage of figurative language over literal language. Expressivity in music is substancially connected with communicating emotions among other factors. Therefore, the use of metaphors can be a powerful way of improving musical expressivity. This study focuses on developing expressivity in intermediate piano students. On the theoretical level it presents fields of expressivity and strategies including metaphors for empowering them and on the practical level, through the course of 4 piano lessons it experiments with those strategies and reflects on the findings.
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• The impact of visual imagery and stories on the personal expressiveness of beginner piano students (2024) author(s): Yasaman Akbari Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research is aiming to address the following primary question: How might personal expressiveness develop by the use of visual imagery and stories in beginner piano students? This research was done in a mixed-method approach, in which action research, design research and case studies were combined. In this study, five piano students participated. Each participant represents one cycle of the research process. The participants of this study were asked to draw their mental images of the pieces they were learning. Then, They were invited to make a thorough story for the piece they were performing. Lastly, participants were asked to perform their piece, while keeping their drawing and the story in mind. Professionals with expertise in expressivity and storytelling have evaluated the information and provided feedback. Furthermore, it was requested of three piano instructors to test these materials on their pupils and report their findings. Analysing the study's data revealed that each participant's performance became more expressive after using visual imagery and story. Having an intention while playing, experimenting with multiple versions of the same phrase, connecting stories to sound, and feeling a personal connection to the piece they were performing are some of the most significant findings of this study. Keywords: Expressivity, Storytelling, Visual imagery
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