Research Catalogue

research expositions

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  The extra dimension: exploring 3D use of the accordion bellows (2023) author(s): Kaat Vanhaverbeke published in: KC Research Portal
  In my search for extradimensionality in accordion playing, I have explored the three-dimensional use of the accordion bellows. This concerns moving the bellows forward or backwards at different angles, instead of typically maintaining a straight line. This research dives deeper into how the 3D bellows technique influences accordion music interpretations. A survey spread to accordion teachers worldwide made clear that this technique is quite unknown and undiscovered. In 4 case studies, video recordings of musical interpretations were compared using a linear bellows concept versus using 3D bellows. After intensive reflection, benefits of the 3D bellows technique became clear. Firstly, it allows a better balance between the right and left-hand manual. Different frequencies and harmonics could be discovered through the 3D use of the bellows, which could lead to more resonance and timbre nuances. Furthermore, the technique enhances direction and phrasing in accordion music, reinforced by the visual perception of 3D bellows. However, the technique should be reviewed in different musical styles: in baroque compositions, for instance, the 3D movements are preferably less explicit. Considering some prerequisite skills, an important concern in the practice process has been when to apply 3D bellows. The research suggests that 3D bellows can be included more explicitly in accordion practice and pedagogy today. It was found to be a useful tool to deepen musical interpretations and musical hearing in accordion students and professionals.
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  Extra-dimensional accordion playing using a surround sound system: Creating new music (2023) author(s): Kaat Vanhaverbeke published in: Research Catalogue
  Approaching the accordion bellows technique explicitly three-dimensionally instead of linearly has been a major step in finding my artistic voice as an accordionist. Hypothetically, the spatial movements implied in playing the accordion, prompt an extra musical dimension and affect with an audience. By addressing this aspect of accordion playing in compositional collaborations and by amplifying the movements of accordion playing and using a surround sound system, the technique, and hypothetically its impact on the audience, is made uncommonly explicit. In two phases and from two different perspectives (i.e. the perspective from an external composer and the composer-performer's perspective) new music for accordion and electronics was created, where the electronics are in both cases directly derivated from the accordion part. However, what it means to amplify and use the particular extra-dimensionality of accordion playing, was left open to the respective composer. The resulting music, presented at the research concert on September 22, 2023, in Studio LOOS The Hague, has shown two individual compositional approaches, yet it was clear that the movements of accordion playing functioned as an interesting and central dissonance within the music. In both the roles of performer and composer, this research has shown its significance. In collaboration with composers, it has introduced a way of working where this specific way of playing the accordion can be established in contemporary repertoire, whereas the electronic-artificial connection between music and movement has created interesting compositional tools suited for future projects.
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