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

• 
  The recercatas of de Albero (2025) author(s): Pedro G. A. Aguinagalderomalde Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Sebastián de Albero is an interesting musical historic figure in Spain that represents wonderfully the context in which he lived. He drew influence from many places, and the pieces in his album Obras para Clavicordio o Piano Forte are no different. This extraordinary album is the first in Spain to be dedicated to the piano forte, and the recercatas in the album, six, are enigmatic, strange pieces of the Spanish music history. Their influence from the French unmeasured preludes is quite strong, an influence that was possible due to de Albero’s unique background. These pieces give us clues about the musical context of de Albero in the court and out of it: In Navarra, French influences were certainly present, the piano forte was a somewhat popular instrument in court, the recently imported Italian recitativos and toccatas in Madrid offered the right atmosphere for the creation of new rhythmically free pieces, and the Spanish musical tradition was as strong as ever. I propose how to deal with aspect of performance of these recercatas based on their contents and history. The thesis format is most adequate for this work, for its extensive nature
  open exposition comments (1)
• The Role of the Percussionist in Performance Development: A Multi-dimensional Approach (2025) author(s): João Brito Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research explores the evolving role of percussionists in contemporary performance, focusing on their contributions beyond traditional musicianship. Using Geweld & Vibrato by Huba de Graaff as a case study, the study examines how percussionists engage with synchronization, dynamics, and spatial awareness to shape performance development. The findings reveal that percussionists are not just rhythmic anchors but dramaturgical agents, actively influencing the narrative, structure, and emotional impact of a work. Key results highlight that synchronization is not merely a technical requirement but a dramaturgical tool, where moments of precise rhythmic alignment contrast with controlled desynchronization to reinforce power struggles within the performance. Dynamic control extends beyond volume manipulation, serving as a metaphor for colonial suppression and resistance in Geweld & Vibrato. Spatial awareness emerged as a crucial factor in performance perception, with percussionists using movement and stage positioning to assert agency and shift power dynamics. These insights challenge the conventional perception of percussionists as mere performers and position them as co-creators within interdisciplinary artistic processes. The research is presented in a written format, integrating first-person reflections, performance analysis, and interview excerpts. This format was chosen to balance academic rigor with personal artistic insights, allowing for a nuanced discussion of both theoretical and practice-based findings. By combining case study documentation and self-reflection, the study aims to bridge scholarly discourse with lived artistic experience, demonstrating the multifaceted role of percussionists in contemporary performance-making.
  open exposition comments (0)
• The Interpretation and Understanding of Rhythm and Makam Elements in 20th Century Turkish Piano Music: Theoretical Knowledge and Performer’s Perspective (2025) author(s): Cansu Perihan Onder Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This study aims to present a guide to both the understanding and performance of 20th-century Turkish piano music, focusing on idiomatic stylistic features, including rhythm and makam. The research begins with a short historical context for Turkish music. Westernization and cultural transformation in Turkiye have led to a fusion of Western classical traditions and traditional Turkish elements in the music of this period. Using theoretical knowledge and performance-based methods, including experimentation and reflection, this research explores how rhythmic and makam elements are employed in 20th-century piano pieces and aims to inform performers on how they can authentically and accurately incorporate these elements into their interpretations. Additionally, interviews with selected living Turkish composers are part of the study. These interviews provide insights into the cultural impact of their works and offer recommendations for performers. This research emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and informed interpretation in performing 20th-century Turkish piano music through historical context, theoretical analysis, and performance-oriented perspectives.
  open exposition comments (1)
• The Evolution of Portamento in Cello Playing Since the First Recordings (2025) author(s): Mathias Pearson Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research investigates the historical evolution of portamento, or expressive shifting, in cello performance by comparing early 20th-century recordings with contemporary interpretations. The subject was inspired by the striking interpretation observed in Beatrice Harrison's 1920 recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto, where portamento was employed with frequency and expressiveness unlike the recordings I had heard before. The methodology involves analyzing historical recordings of "The Swan" from Saint-Saëns' Le Carnaval des Animaux, annotating portamento occurrences in scores, and comparing them with modern performances. Recordings by cellists such as Kronold, Schwiller, Hollman, and Casals were examined alongside contemporary cellists like Yo-Yo Ma and Johannes Moser. The analysis shows patterns in portamento frequency, variation and use of expressive tools across different periods. The findings suggest a significant decline in the use and variety of portamento in modern cello playing, and shifts in aesthetic preferences as advancements in recording technology are made. Early 20th century cellists employed portamento not just not only where it is convenient, but as an integral expressive tool alongside vibrato and timing, mirroring the approach of vocalists at the time. After exploring portamento in my own practice, I can conclude that the notion of consciously experimenting with portamento can enhance interpretative variety and expressiveness, leading to a more deeply personal voice. This study encourages cellists to explore portamento as a legitimate expressive tool in modern cello performance to enrich musical expression.
  open exposition comments (1)
• The Art of Vibrato (2025) author(s): Teodor Casiean Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Main Subject: Violin Research Supervisor: Janet Krause Title of Research: The Art of Vibrato Research Question: How violinists learn and improve their vibrato? Summary of Results: Vibrato is a fundamental aspect of violin performance, an ornamental tool used for enriching tone quality, emotional expression, and stylistic interpretation. Despite its importance, no comprehensive guide exists that addresses vibrato in its entirety, encompassing its technical foundations, stylistic variations, and expressive potential with various excercises that improve all the different vibrato techniques. This research aims to fill this gap by providing a thorough exploration of vibrato as both a technical skill and a tool for artistic expression. The study delves into the physiological and acoustic principles behind vibrato, examining how factors such as hand, wrist, and arm coordination impact tone production. It also explores the different types of vibrato—wrist, finger, and arm—highlighting their distinct characteristics and their influence on sound. Additionally, the research investigates how vibrato interacts with bowing technique and left-hand positioning, and offers insights into the role of vibrato in enhancing emotional expression across various violin repertoire that violinists will perform in halls with different acoustics or even in open air. By consolidating these aspects into a single reference, this work provides violinists with a valuable resource to deepen their understanding and mastery of vibrato, ultimately enriching their performances. Teodor Casiean started the study of violin at the age of seven in the city of Iași, Romania with teacher Iacob Lucian at “Colegiul Național de Artă Octav Băncilă” and also with Andrei Chirilă and Vlad Hrubaru, Concertmaster and respectively Principal Second Violin at State National Philharmonic Moldova Iași. Teodor graduated High School in 2019 winning multiple prizes and mentions at national and international competitions such as 1st Prize at “International Competition of Music Interpretation Emanuel Elenescu” 2016, Mention at “Olimpiada Națională de Interpretare Muzicală” 2017, 1st Prize at “Lira de Aur Suceava” 2018, 1st Prize at “Primăvara Artelor Bacău” 2018, and many others. He had the privilege of being guided in lessons and masterclasses by models such as Remus Azoiței, professor at Royal Academy of Music London, Liviu Prunaru former teacher at Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and Gabriel Croitoru professor at UNMB Bucharest. Teodor was and still is an active member of the Romanian Youth Orchestra for more than ten years performing with them many times on many stages around the world such as Romanian Atheneum State, Symphony Orchestra Thessaloniki Hall, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and many others. In 2019 he started studying at UNMB Bucharest under the guidance of Professor Ioana Croitoru and graduated the Bachelor Program in Interpretation of Music - Violin in 2023. In that same year Teodor was accepted in the Masters in Classical Music - Violin program at Royal Conservatoire Den Haag. In his still ongoing master years Teodor collaborated multiple times with Residentie Orkest Den Haag. Today he follows the tutelage of acclaimed violinist and teacher Lisa Jacobs and Wouter Vossen, Konzertmeister of the Residentie Orkest.
  open exposition comments (1)
• THE CHAKRA EXPERIENCE (2025) author(s): Michele Guerrieri Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research explores the connection between music and the Chakras, centers of activity with definite characteristics (colors, sounds, frequency) that receive, assimilate and express life force energy. The study investigates the correlation between music and Chakras through the analysis of literature, a comparison with an expert, and practical experiments. It reports the criteria and evaluations that led me to select seven piano pieces for each Chakra. It then documents how, recording sessions as examples, I played the chosen pieces before and after increasing my spiritual awareness of the Chakras. Finally, it shows the comparison, in live musical settings, of my “piano piece - specific Chakra” choices with those of the listeners, confronting their sensibilities with mine and gathering their feedback. Results show the contribution of Chakra perception into my own piano interpretations by reviewing the stages of the research process, that eventually led me to create an interdisciplinary concert: “The Chakra Experience.” The research also addresses arguments about the importance of music and art nowadays and offers insights for those with an interest in approaching interdisciplinary projects.
  open exposition comments (1)