Compositions portfolio commentary

Gramann, Ruth (2015). Compositions portfolio commentary. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Gramann15MA.pdf
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Shishmaref_The_Climate_Change_Songs,_no.2.mp3
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Dark_Eyes_May_See_The_Climate_Change_Songs,_no.3.mp3
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Jimi_Septet_for_the_Hermes_ensemble.mp3
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Witches'_Dance_Walpugisnacht,_no.1.mp3
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Trouble's_Brewing_Walpurgisnacht,_no.2.mp3
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Spice_Walpurgisnacht,_no.3.mp3
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Night_Flight_Walpurgisnacht,_no.4.mp3
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Yo_volveré.mp3
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Fragments.mp3
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One_Day.mp3
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Beck's_dream.mp3
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Fragile_Planet.mp3
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Abstract

For this submission, I have included a commentary on the works I have written over the last two years and a CD of recordings of most of the works in the portfolio. The commentary shows the development I have made as a composer: moving from an initially fairly conventional style of composing, with an emphasis on rhythmic drive and melody, to a polystylist approach to composition - whereby I try to combine a myriad of influences in my work, and to a style of music that is more focussed on timbre, sonority and texture. I also decided to continue to develop and explore the possibilities of writing contemporary music for amateurs. The works range from pieces written for specific ensembles for workshops at Birmingham University, such as the Hermes Ensemble (‘\(Jimi\)’), The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (‘\(Fragments\)’) and EXAUDI (\(Yo\) \(volveré\)) to works written for local projects in Germany.

The first set of songs (\(The\) \(Climate\) \(Change\) \(Songs\)) was written for a singer in Potsdam, Angela Baier- Banthien. Walpurgisnacht was written as part of a project with a group of local contemporary composers, which ultimately led to the publication of one of the oboe duets as part of a compendium of works together with the other composers. One Day was commissioned by the jazz saxophonist, Lars Stoermer and played by him on the accompanying CD. \(Beck’s\) \(Dream\) was written for and performed by the guitarist Martin Milner. \(Fragile\) \(Planet\) was written for the pianist Mamiko Wada and played by Susan Handy on the accompanying CD. The total length of the submission is approximately 47 minutes and is comprised of 13 contrasting works.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):