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 evolution of a Canary song: Arrorró (2022) author(s): Marta Padilla Pío Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  With this study, we intend to investigate the history of this song, analysing the different theories and finding their similarities and differences, as well as comparing the different versions we find more representative. The aim of this study will be to establish links and differences between several versions that we will present in the next chapter. As final result we will also present an arrangement for clarinet and piano, based on what we obtain of the different versions. This way, we will have a classical arrangement of this lullaby for the instrument I play that can be included in the repertoire. This will be explained in the format of a presentation of the different results with the version for my own interpretation.
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• Break the Ground - The Art of Playing 'Ex-Tempore' upon music (2022) author(s): Veronica Cimino Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This paper explores the use of the division technique in contemporary improvisation, arranging and composition through an analysis of Christopher Simpson’s treatise The Division-Viol, or, The Art of Playing ‘Ex tempore’ upon a Ground (1659), which codifies the principles of this technique that was largely used during the 17th century in England. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, improvising is “to compose, or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation.” Yet there is one constant factor in history: improvisation is always changing. From this position, the research aim is to probe the division technique as a valid possibility for trying out a new approach in the wider field of improvisation. The paper explores what could happen if we bring this kind of technique outside the confines of the baroque genre, becoming a new perspective for musicians, with different access to modus operandi from genres that were never expected to be so close. The analysis of early improvisation techniques offers new insights into contemporary music and diversifying improvisation practice. In light of this, after an overview of the technique, you will find experiments with its use in the creation of solos, in writing compositions and arrangements in different styles, putting down roots for its use in education. The result of this creative practice will be presented with written and audio/video documentation as well as live practical examples.
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• Reminiscences of the Golden Age: exploring historically inspired approaches to playing Liszt's Norma Fantasy (2022) author(s): Hoang Cuong Vu Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The research aims to explore and learn about historical performance practices and reach a deeper understanding of the interpretation of Franz Liszt’s works, particularly his operatic fantasy Réminiscences de Norma. The research is presented in three parts. The first part is about the historical background of Liszt’s operatic fantasies; that is the time when Liszt focuses on playing virtuosic music. I point out some textures that Liszt used to show his newly invented technique. The second part, which is the main part of the research, is based on two historical inputs: Liszt’s instruction on playing his music in terms of pedagogy, and the historical recording of Ferruccio Busoni, a pianist who followed Lisztian tradition. In this chapter, by critical listening to Busoni's recording playing Liszt’s Norma Fantasy, I examine and analyze some expressive devices that Busoni used to show the musical ideas and expression. These expressive devices are primarily tempo modification and rhythmic alteration. In the last part, I incorporate these devices into practice and create my performance as an outcome of the research. With the aim of applying expressive devices to my performance practice, I choose to document the research as an exposition which has the combination between text and media containing images and videos taken from social media, commercial recordings, and also from my experimentation process.
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• The violoncello in the musical aesthetic of the second half of the 18th century in Germany: The Empfindsamer Stil in cello music by C.P.E Bach (2022) author(s): Sara Vicioso Usero Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  This research has focused on the study of the Empfindsamkeit aesthetic, a German musical style that emerged during the second half of the 18th century and that would establish the first foundations of an early Romanticism. Being an aesthetic largely focused on works for harpsichord and flute, the focus of this research has been directed to deepen this musical style from the cello, giving a new perspective of study. For this purpose, the second movement of the Cello Concerto in A major Wq. 172 by C.P.E. Bach has been chosen as a case of study, making a theoretical and practical analysis of it. This analysis has allowed us, on the one hand, to approach this aesthetic through this instrument and to reflect on what characteristics of this style we find in the selected piece and on the other hand, it has served as a guide to find out if there is more cello repertoire within this aesthetic. The chosen format to present this work is through a Research exposition, in which I will not only explain the background of this musical aesthetic, but also I will explain my analysis and my personal experience studying this piece trying to approach as much as possible to the Empfindsamkeit
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• Informing early 18th century French baroque violin playing with vocal sources (2022) author(s): Andrew Wong Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  informing french baroque violin playing from vocal sources
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• From classicism to romanticism: the art of clarinet in chamber music (2022) author(s): Davide Simionato Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  At the beginning of the master, Davide asked himself a question: How can the Mozart clarinet quintet and the Brahms clarinet quintet be compared in an intelligible and coherent manner regarding clarinet performance practice? And it is precisely from here that Davide's research started. Through some books (including The Clarinet in the Classical Period and Notes for Clarinettist - A Guide to the Repertoire by Albert R. Rice, and "Brahms Clarinet Quintet" by Colin Lawson) and interviews with teachers, he was able to compare the differences between the Mozart quintet and the Brahms quintet. By studying these sources and going deeper into these topics, Davide has come to understand the differences in the quality of the sound, the kind of articulation, the quality of legato that a clarinettist must have to play these two quintets. One of the biggest differences between these two periods was the type of instrument: the classical instrument had few keys (it was more difficult technically) and had a simple open sound. Instead, after a century the romantic instrument was innovative because it was equipped with many more keys (therefore it exalted the virtuosity of the clarinettist) and many sound colours could be obtained. As well as covering these areas, the paper also discusses some general distinctions between the Classical and Romantic periods.
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