Portfolio of Compositions: Accompanied by a written commentary

Pande Shahov

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

This portfolio of compositions includes nine pieces, most of which relate to Macedonian folk music. Some compositions quote entire folk songs while others only excerpts; some employ variation and estrangement as compositional tools, without relation to specific folk songs. The harmonic language developed in the earlier pieces often relates to jazz, as I wanted to explore the value of applying established jazz voicing techniques outside their usual context. Towards the end of the research process, I tried to establish my own harmonic vocabulary, independent of jazz influence. As I turned my focus from harmony to melody, I chose heterophonic textures as a starting point for the transformation of the melodic and rhythmic material. My aim was to explore the potential of a single melodic line as the main generator of all development by expanding its contours and breaking its harmonic background.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationPh.D.
Awarding Institution
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Cashian, Philip, Supervisor, External person
  • Johnson, Julian, Supervisor
Award date1 Nov 2013
Publication statusUnpublished - 2013

Keywords

  • composition
  • Contemporary music
  • Macedonian folk songs
  • Jazz harmony

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