Portfolio of compositions with an accompanying written commentary

Abstract

Throughout the five pieces in this portfolio of compositions, the interface between text setting and musical structure has been a key compositional concern. ‘Musical structure’ can be understood as an abstract form derived from the text’s themes and secondary research into those themes, from which harmony, motive and timbral progression have been derived. The underlying interrelationship between the original text (which is set to music) and secondary research (which informs the musical structure) constitutes the emotional core of the music in this portfolio; it creates tensions and synergies and allows the communication of new meanings and insights into the texts I have set.

The works are for a range of instrumental and vocal forces. There is one solo instrumental piece, 'Mere Air, These Words, but Delicious to Hear' for clarinet and a song, 'Chione', for soprano soloist, clarinet, piano and percussion. There is one choral work: 'Via Crucis' and two works for choir and instruments: 'Requiem' for choir and crotales and 'The Lamentations of Jeremiah' for choir and string octet.

Date of Award	11 May 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	John Pickard (Supervisor) & Michael P Ellison (Supervisor)