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

• Approaching a Viennese sound on the modern double bass (2025) author(s): Thomas Debellemanière Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The standards of the double bass repertoire today include works written for the Viennese Bass, a historical instrument which was popular in Vienna in the second half of the 18th century. The instrument gradually disappeared, but a large amount of these works are still performed today on the modern double bass, although it doesn't have the same characteristics which shaped the virtuoso writing of the Viennese concertos. This repertoire relies on specific characteristics of this instrument, and doesn't fit well the modern double bass. My research aims to establish how we, double bassists can best approach a Viennese sound on our instrument tuned in fourths. There are many levers that we can take advantage of in order to approach the sonority characteristics of these Viennese bass concertos: better choice of tonality, adaptation of dynamics to match what would sound naturally louder on the Viennese tuning, velocities and bowings, fingerings which would be typically used with a fretted instrument, sometimes octaviating and compromises between existing editions. Some performance tips could certainly be generalized to all Viennese concertos, while other tips would be detailed for each one.
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• Applying music production techniques for narrative expression (2025) author(s): Pablo Garayoa Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This thesis explores how production techniques shape narrative structure and emotional depth in recorded music and film soundtracks. By examining the intersection of composition, sound design, and mixing techniques, the research investigates how producers, composers, and sound engineers craft compelling storytelling through sound. Drawing from academic literature, case studies, and interviews with industry professionals, it combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights. The study first establishes a theoretical foundation, exploring key concepts such as the producer’s role, semiotic approaches to musical meaning, and the definition and evolution of conceptual music. It then outlines the methodology, incorporating insights from interviews with professionals that shed light on topics like the conscious and subconscious decision-making processes behind these techniques. Following this, the research examines various compositional and mixing techniques, analyzing how these methods contribute to narrative expression. Finally, the study applies these findings to original case studies, demonstrating the practical implementation of these production techniques in a concept album and a film soundtrack composed by the author. The findings highlight shared methodologies across disciplines, revealing how music producers and film composers employ similar strategies to shape audience perception and emotional engagement. By bridging theory and practice, this thesis provides a framework relevant to both academic research and industry professionals, demonstrating how sonic storytelling can be intentionally crafted to enhance emotional depth, coherence, and narrative structure in music and film soundtracks.
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• Analyzing composing technique of the music of Joe Henderson (2025) author(s): SungJea Oh Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the compositional techniques employed by the eminent jazz musician Joe Henderson. The primary objective is to explore and uncover the distinctive elements of his compositional voice, examining how his unique approach to melody, harmony, rhythm, and form shaped his creative output. By delving into Henderson's music, this research seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between his written compositions and his improvisational practices, with a particular focus on how his improvisations seamlessly interact with and evolve from his compositional structures. Through this analysis, I aim to gain deeper insights that will inform and inspire my own compositional process, with the ultimate goal of applying and expanding upon Henderson's artistic innovations within my own music.
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• Analysis of a clarinet player's movements for a correct interpretation of a piece (2025) author(s): Antonio Martín Hernández Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research explores the connection between a musician’s physical movements and the musical interpretation of a piece, focusing on clarinetists. Many musicians instinctively move while playing, but may not be aware of the impact these movements have on their musical expression. Some find themselves physically restricted during performances, unable to move freely. This study examines the mind of the musician and how physicality influences their playing. Drawing from personal experience, that is the practical process through playing sessions in front of a mirror (without sheet music and paying full attention to my movements) with recording sessions and existing studies (Jane W. Davidson, Bodily movement and facial actions in expressive musical performance by solo and duo instrumentalists: Two distinctive case studies), I have created a table of general movements for clarinetists, which includes healthy posture guidelines for both standing and sitting positions. The table serves as a foundational tool, allowing musicians to internalize movements and connect them to specific musical elements such as “sforzando” or a “legato” phrase. This connection between physical movements and musical figures is a key element of the research. To validate the table, several clarinetist colleagues have test it, providing feedback on their experiences. This process helped refine the tool and explore how it can be used to enhance physical expression and interpretation in performance. Ultimately, the table aims to serve as a practical guide for musicians to consciously practice and innovate their movements while playing, improving both their physical comfort and musical interpretation.
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  A creative exploration of David Popper's op. 73 (2025) author(s): Emma Zarzuela Castro Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Nearing the end of my academic training as a classical cellist, I decided to revisit David Popper's op. 73 (1901-1905), a very popular and widely studied opus of 40 études for the cello. As is the case for most cellists, these études have been present in my practice since the early stages of my studies, but in retrospect I pinpointed some frustrations that my early approach to these études created. I then set out to design a different approach which would better fit my own musical needs and interests, including improvisatory and compositional practices, as well as challenging the technique/musicality dichotomy by engaging with the existing text with an emphasis on musicality. This process, documented with videos and self-reports, takes into account the context in which Popper published this études, and includes examples of creative exercises that, using the Popper method as a point of reference or otherwise, encourage me to expand my range of possibilities on the instrument as well as my musical imagination.
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  A Path Into the Wilderness (2025) author(s): Carles Miquel Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  A Path Into the Wilderness is an artistic research project driven by the urgency of the planetary crisis and a deep concern for the biosphere's integrity. Through the exploration of 20th-century piano repertoire, this study seeks to establish a meaningful dialogue between humankind and nature as well as sustainable mindset in which ambition and productivity are replaced by contemplation and appreciation. The central research question examines how contrasting piano pieces can be combined with multimedia elements to create an impactful concert narrative. The methodology consists of a series of piano experiments in which I record myself and critically reflect on the outcomes. These experiments explore various aspects, including the integration of audio and video media, the role of timing, improvisation, and the significance of the space between pieces. The research is informed by narratology, which serves as a theoretical framework for designing the order and structure of the selected pieces, investigating how musical storytelling can shape perception and engagement. The study culminates in a concert program with the same title.
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