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

• Piri's Soundscape: Investigating the Oboe's Evolution through Western and Korean Techniques with Isang Yun (2024) author(s): Mafalda Silva Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research proposes investigating the impact of extended Western and Korean music on the oboe, using Isang Yun's "Piri" as a focal point. The central question revolves around understanding how this musical fusion enriches both the instrument and its repertoire in the 21st century. The methodological involves a literature review on extended oboe techniques, a musical analysis of "Piri" focusing on specific extended techniques and cultural influences, and insights from Heinz Holliger's interview about Isang Yun and "Piri" at an event organized by the International Isang Yun Society e.V. Additionally, the study investigates potential physical changes to the oboe in the 21st century. This comprehensive approach aims to offer a detailed understanding of the interplay between extended techniques, cross-cultural influences, and the ever-evolving essence of the oboe, contributing significantly to the enrichment of the instrument's musical discourse.
  open exposition comments (0)
• 
  Over the Pavements: is contemporary wind music a curse? (2024) author(s): Sander van Dorst Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Sander van Dorst Wind Band Conducting Supervisor: Suzan Overmeer Over the Pavements: is contemporary wind music a curse? What does a conductor need to take into account when performing contemporary wind music? Summary Contemporary wind music is non-commercial, innovative music, which is characterized to a great extent by personal compositional style, the significance of timbre and the irregularity in musical parameters. One of the earliest forms from which this music developed, came from Charles Ives in 1913 and was further developed by conductors like Frederick Fennell and Robert Austin Boudreau and organisations like the W.M.C. Besides musical-technical skills (like reading new notation systems and handling fast changing metres), the conductor has to be skilled in the fields of interpretation and programming (i.e., using ‘stepping stones’ in programming, understanding the composer’s compositional language), and must be able to fulfil the orchestra’s pedagogical and didactic needs (i.e., empowering the musicians, organizing the music in a clear way). Furthermore, the audience can’t be forgotten in the process of performing this music (for example: giving them a (historical) context, providing suggestions what to listen for and using the opportunity of having multiple hearings). Biography Sander van Dorst (1997) is a conductor, music pedagogue, composer and multi-instrumentalist. After his studies in Music Education at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, he started the master of Wind Band Conducting with Alex Schillings at the same institute. He’s currently conductor of two wind orchestras, composes on commission and teaches music individually and at primary schools.
  open exposition comments (0)
• 
  Opera-ting on Stereotypes (2024) author(s): Beatriz Teixeira Chirife Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Opera is known for its use of all visual and performing arts in creating a myriad of emotional landscapes. Contrary to the conventional argument, the integration of opera here extends beyond aesthetic pleasure or educational purposes, it stands as a deliberate effort to challenge mental health stigma and promote community well-being and understanding. This thesis documents the development and subsequent application of an opera-focused artistic intervention within a psychiatric clinic in the prison hospital São João de Deus. The program, translated to portuguese as “Opera-ndo sob Estereótipos”, was a 18-session art program that sought to use opera as an artistic and creative tool to navigate mental illness, externally and internally, promoting mental health and social and cultural inclusion. Due to confidentiality and ethical protocols, this investigation will be mainly illustrated by narrative-style thesis. Research results demonstrated the positive effects of engagement, highlighting improvements in mental well-being, social connections, and personal growth. Although acknowledging the short programming time, and the social and legal context, it became evident that the value of arts programs extends beyond their capacity to address systemic challenges, offering meaningful benefits to individuals within the scope of their participation.
  open exposition comments (0)
• Mastering the left hand: a comprehensive investigation into cello technique (2024) author(s): Adrián Obispo Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  During my last years of cello practice, the consequences of deficiencies in my left-hand technique have affected my artistic development. When different teachers suggested more focus on this aspect, I realized how important it is in the playing. This research aims to explore the shades and methodologies surrounding left-hand technique in classical cello performance. The methodology of this research combines literature review, observational analysis of professional performances, interviews with students and professionals of cello, as well as practical application. The research includes a diverse range of aspects within left-hand technique, such as hand positioning, finger placement, shifting, vibrato, intonation, and pedagogical approaches. By analyzing established cello method books, scholarly articles, and performances by virtuosos, this study aims to synthesize existing knowledge while also considering innovative perspectives. Moreover, the research methodology involves direct engagement with teachers, professional cellists, and students. This approach facilitates the collection of qualitative data, offering insights into personal experiences, varied teaching methodologies, and practical challenges encountered during the mastery of left-hand techniques. Additionally, the research involves a practical component where the findings are applied through hands-on practice. This experiential learning aids in consolidating theoretical knowledge, enabling a deeper understanding of the technical intricacies and practical implications of different techniques. As a result of this study, I have developed different ways of approaching left-hand technique during daily practice and experienced a positive effect on my performance. The chosen format of presentation will be a public exposition of the results of the research.
  open exposition comments (0)
• Leonarda Through the Looking Glass (2024) author(s): Bethany Angus Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Although there are numerous female composers of the Baroque period, as far as I know, none of these composers has written for the cello as a solo instrument. This research, Leonarda through the Looking Glass, proposes a compilation and publication of a collection of baroque works written by women that have been adapted for the cello. The case study for this research is Isabella Leonarda’s Sonata no. 12 in D minor for violin, violone and organ, published in Bologna in 1693. I explored the process of transcribing the work for the cello, and what that implies for the basso continuo and the overall affect of the work. I also researched historical fingerings and ornamentation which might be relevant to the performer. ‘What historical information should be taken into consideration when performing Leonarda’s Violin Sonata no. 12 on the cello?’; and ‘How can Leonarda’s Violin Sonata no 12 be transcribed for cello from the original violin sonata?’
  open exposition comments (0)
• Language as an instrument - Discovering a language-based approach to practicing music (2024) author(s): Krystyna Kulisiewicz Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The language-music connection is a topic many have already addressed. This artistic research aims to show another way of approaching it. Considering the importance of the text in the early music repertoire, the linguistic layer has been taken as a central idea. The research process consisted of self-experiments using an attentional focus on linguistic aspects of a musical piece. The purpose was to examine the possible benefits of this focus during practice sessions. The repertoire of these experiments consisted of vocal-instrumental pieces. The music material contained a basso-continuo part played on the violone. The text of the vocal line has been analyzed, determining a number of focal points to be used in practice. The practice sessions using these points have been recorded and compared to a reference recording. The whole process has been reflected on. Analysis of the self-experiments proved that focusing on the linguistic aspects of a musical piece influences the way of playing. It affects technical aspects such as tempo, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics. Focusing on the language makes the practice more rewarding, although it slows down the process. It has been observed that focusing on the text makes it easier to familiarize the music material. The research process was a personal approach to the language-music connection. It can therefore deliver different results when applied by different individuals, which is an encouragement to try this approach. Further study is possible on other sorts of repertoire and using other instruments, as well as in the context of performance.
  open exposition comments (1)