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

• Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata on the Double Bass (2024) author(s): Grace Chan Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  There is always a trend for double bass players to seek out cello repertoire to play. As a double bass player, in addition to the standard double bass repertoire which I love, I am passionate about creating my own versions of pieces originally written for other instruments. I want to have the experience and thrill of performing pieces from particular composers who did not happen to write for the double bass. This research shows my passion for Rachmaninoff’s cello sonata third movement and the process of me figuring out how to play it on the double bass. Before I started making this transcription for myself, I researched the validity of transcriptions, specifically where it pertains to the double bass repertoire around the beginning of the 20th century, for example arrangements Koussevitzky did for the double bass. For my research, I made my own version for double bass and piano, using my experience playing the cello. It gave me a lot of inspiration and allowed me to understand what to keep and what to change while doing the arrangement. I experimented with my pianist trying to play in different keys and octaves, for example. I also compared different versions by playing on the two instruments. This exposition details my journey exploring how I can transmit my own expressions and interpretation to the audience. This research allows me to realise the purity of music. It does not matter which piece and what instrument, music connects with people when you play with your genuine heart.
  open exposition comments (0)
• Quarter tones: a technical approach for its practice on the violin (2024) author(s): Isabel Guantes Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Since the second decade of the 20th century, violin literature has had numerous works that explore new tuning systems, and the appearance of quarter tones in the repertoire is particularly recurrent. However, there is a pedagogical deficiency in relation to the study of this type of tuning. The primary objective of this work is to provide a compilation of exercises, adapted examples and auditive tools based on the analysis of Eastern musical theories and classical methods to facilitate the understanding and learning of quarter tones, both auditively and technically. This work aims to help classical violinists in their initiation to the new music microtonal languages, for the parameters of tuning to be solved efficiently and methodically in those excerpts in which their use is required. The way to proceed with the research can be divided into two parts: the first one, which we could classify as "theoretical", includes a historical review of micro-intervallic tuning, from Ancient Greece to the present day, through several bibliographical sources, as well as an analysis of some of the most extended methods or commonly known/accepted of violin technique, and the approach to the musical theories of the Middle East with the help of Amer Shanati. The second part, which we could define as "practical", includes the design of the different exercises and auditive tools bringing in the mechanisms of the Arabic scales.
  open exposition comments (0)
• Polimnia, a new project to approach Early Music to the audience (2024) author(s): Cristina Ortiz Diaz Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The Renaissance and Baroque were periods of cultural effervescence in Europe, characterised by a flowering of music, literature, visual arts and also theatre. As these art forms evolved, there was a constant crossover of influences and collaborations, resulting in a unique interplay between them. Music and theatre are two forms of artistic expression that have accompanied us throughout history. These two disciplines have coexisted and intertwined in fascinating ways over the years. In this research I want to explore in an intimate way the connection that can exist between both disciplines and the relationship that can be created between a specific repertoire, in this case a selection of pieces from the 16th and 17th century, and a story that will be created from the affections that the selected pieces evoke and that will later be theatricalised and represented through the musicians by specific characters. All this will be done with the aim of being able to transmit to the audience the affections emanating from the selected pieces in a more direct way, using music and its performers as an emotional vehicle to understand the plot. It will also help us to discover that the music of these centuries does not only serve as a mere sound complement in theatrical performances, but can play a fundamental role in the creation of atmospheres, as well as how it can play a crucial role in the characterisation of characters and also how all this helps favourably to transmit emotions on stage and to establish a stronger relationship between the audience and the performers.
  open exposition comments (0)
• 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)