Overcoming Interpretative Challenges in Contemporary Balkan Guitar Compositions: A Performer’s Approach

Carmen Montañez Corpas

About this exposition

My first encounter with the music of Balkan composers for guitar, such as Dušan Bogdanović, was a technical and expressive challenge due to its complex rhythmic structures and unconventional harmonies. Over time, as I delved deeper into this repertoire, I identified recurring elements in the works of other composers from the same region, such as Atanas Ourkouzounov. This sparked my interest in investigating the specific technical difficulties that arise when interpreting this music on the guitar. The aim of this study is to analyze these difficulties and propose strategies to overcome them to facilitate their interpretation. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of these compositions which, despite their musical richness, are not frequently included in guitar concert programs. As part of this research, I have developed an experimental section focused on three key aspects: odd meters and polyrhythms, percussive elements and timbral exploration. For each of these aspects, I have selected specific passages and worked with various methodologies. In most cases, I propose exercises that have proven useful in addressing these aspects and also explain the interpretative decisions I have incorporated personally. Some of these exercises were designed by me, others were suggested by Zoran Dukić during the lessons I have received, and some emerged spontaneously, as a combination of personal inspiration, adaptation to my technical difficulties and creativity developed during the study process.

type	research exposition
keywords	Classical guitar, 21st century, creative practice, balkan
date	20/11/2024
published	14/07/2025
last modified	14/07/2025
status	limited publication
copyright	Carmen Montañez
license	CC BY-NC-ND
language	English
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/3208746/3481902
published in	KC Research Portal
portal issue	3. Internal publication

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Overcoming Interpretative Challenges in Contemporary Balkan Guitar Compositions: A Performer’s Approach (2025)

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